This newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring 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 SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered 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 components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
