This latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not 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 watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view 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 vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand 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 hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
