This most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe 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 only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible 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 transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate 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 vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
