The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message 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 message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
