The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family 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 install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of 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 set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible 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 transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets 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 coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan 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 device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
