The newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £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.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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 lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
