The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving 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, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device 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 requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
