This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing 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 completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. 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 needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
