The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an very expensive 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random 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 typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out 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 recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new 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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates 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 outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately 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 device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
