The newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication 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 optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate 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, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, 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 worked well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages 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 orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
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 communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
