The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive 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 get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features 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 on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
