The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £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 monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available 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 recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least 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 gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
