This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive 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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
