This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That 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 colossal £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 get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages 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 set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 excellent adventure watch in the standard 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 coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
