The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed 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 own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight 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 crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, 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 support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
