The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight 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, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs 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 plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
