This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor 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 model 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 receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages 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 quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry 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 emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
