This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When 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 reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring 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 typically worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
