The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends 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 reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so 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 colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
