This latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving 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 locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight 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 crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable 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 requiring anything else.
It 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 monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier 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, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
