The latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite 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.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features 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 emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
