The newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want 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 chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital 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 easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
