The latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available 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 send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. 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 liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier 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 trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
