The newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas 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 just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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 crucial 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 regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
