The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey option, 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 – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant 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 burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
