This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant 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 weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
