The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
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 builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing 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 service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
