The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £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.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position 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 location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service 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 components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
