This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey 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 price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different 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 completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile 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 slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows 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 vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.