The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices 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 transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
