The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor 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 reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account 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 time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant 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 reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
