The newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £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.
You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes 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 link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only 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 slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality 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 start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
