The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, 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 tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
