The most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, 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 options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
