The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without 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, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
