The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model 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, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, 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 clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications 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 limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
