The newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside 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 make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives 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 remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable 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 does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
