The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
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 display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally 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 locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, 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 essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
