This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
