This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, 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, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar 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 fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
