The latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
