The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £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 display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct 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 only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of 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, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service 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 regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
