This latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
