The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, 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 dispatches 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 using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
