The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
