This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location 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 location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
