The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
