This newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor 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 reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch 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 application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find 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, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service 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 materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t 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 hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping 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, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
