The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
