This newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That makes it 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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
