The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track 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 model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new 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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
