The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever 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 app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
