The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it 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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture 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 can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
