The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish 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 link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
