This most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely 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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
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 comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, 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 important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very 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 plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all 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 trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
