This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability 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 service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
