This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
