This most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture 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 make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find 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 crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
