This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can 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 random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, 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 impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want 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 outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
