This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door 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 generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
