🔗 Share this article

This most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone 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 personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.