The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS 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 messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position 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 communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
