This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions 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 send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link 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 acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
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 orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result 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 remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any 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 nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
