This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
