The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have 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 tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire 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 does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.