The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes 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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
