The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited 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 the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest 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 real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of 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 good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
