The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans start at £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 monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally 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 back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view 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 important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts 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 original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device 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 accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
