This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
