This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make 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.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want 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 send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition 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 generally functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
