This most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching 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 significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
