This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as 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 display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied 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 no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though 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 handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a 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 reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.