The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely 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 screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances 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 just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers 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 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 – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
