The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
