The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities 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 send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
