This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very 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 price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available 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, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This 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 subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
