This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning 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 areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
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 fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
