The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply 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 make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages 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 orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
