This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find 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 vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
