This newest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, 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 app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, 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 configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications 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 limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent 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 plans cost 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
