This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering 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 test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus 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 make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure 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 without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
