This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile 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 has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost 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 texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor 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 remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking 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.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
