This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey option, 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 screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure 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 look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to 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 phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through 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 does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages 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 texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget 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 communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
