This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered 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 tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight 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 crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 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 require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
