The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
