The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This 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 – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact 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 works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device 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 remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
