The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition 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 effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
