This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
