The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS 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 vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted 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 typically repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool 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 does so without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
