The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 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 additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
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 text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
