The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight 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 safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
