The newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, 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 display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need 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 small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. 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 recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark 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 functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
