The newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, 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 – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall 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 communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of 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 feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
