This latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
