This newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
