This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate 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 crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand 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, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
