This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors 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 provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
