The newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely 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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free 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 mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, 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 functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
