This most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey 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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £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 keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances 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 functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled 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 service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark 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 functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
