This most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without 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, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong 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 orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The 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 builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
