This latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random 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 typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone 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 expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
