This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send 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 app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
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 power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any 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 trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
