This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
