The newest version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, 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 display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version 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 screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text 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 application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs 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
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
