The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
