The newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching 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 receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing 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 completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever 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 communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. 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 accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
