This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, 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 note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support site. 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 recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
