This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, 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 sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, 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, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate 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 crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. 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 needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant 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 dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
