This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance 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 easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This 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 messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
