The newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It 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 fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 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 orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
