The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality 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.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just 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 are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken 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 enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
