The newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts 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 transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
