The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, 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 function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital 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 typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages 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 messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability 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 reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
