The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important 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.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating 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 recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
