The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS 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, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service 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 regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
