This most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £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 screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered 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. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing 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 head out outside minus 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 overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view 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 note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
