The newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find 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 crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark 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 quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
