This most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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 safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
