This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work 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 less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
