The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location 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 version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
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
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all 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 running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
