This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial 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 link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up 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 personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
