The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
