The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This 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 large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text 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 application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital 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 accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
