The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, 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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various 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.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging 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 replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device 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 anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
