This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £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 lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable 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 display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
