This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring 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 SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find 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, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result 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 from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
