The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey 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 screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
