The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very 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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size 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 watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
