This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display 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 orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, 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 note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
