The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £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 display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random 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 make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
