The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £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 receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, 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 devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though 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 feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
