The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version 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 functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility 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 been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital 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 clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
