This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to 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.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts 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, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
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 send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via 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 lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
