The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring 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 typically functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
