This newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very 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 display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect 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 keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
