This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives 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 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, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches 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 emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications 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 orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides 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 additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
