The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text 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 app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages 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, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
