This newest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
