The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £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.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, 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 tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry 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 on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
