This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, 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 even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
