The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, 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 is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
