The latest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door 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 make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly 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 does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight 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 vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted 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 typically serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all 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 desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
