The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating 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 tool needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost 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 incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
