This newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on 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 outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any 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 wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
