This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool 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 version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
