The newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, 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 twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial 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 link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications 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 restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
