The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
