This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing 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 just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
