This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location 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 position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited 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 typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
