This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor 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 version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After 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 similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
