This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available 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 send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
