The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, 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 similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available 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 send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance 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 lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool 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 needing additional gear.
This 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 subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
