The most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent 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 available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £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, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal 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.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
