The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though 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 handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
