The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed 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, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight 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 crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire 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 requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
