This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus 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 keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
