The newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
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 capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
