The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest 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 monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want 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 quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
