This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
