The most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £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 get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However 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 Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans 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 functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally 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 directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches 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 send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
