This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically 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 materials. Garmin offers recycling programs 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 plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
