This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
