The latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family 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 install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
