This most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version 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 standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible 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 send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
