This newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone 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 slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through 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 materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
