The most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
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. But the 47mm OLED version 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.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different 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.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 text or voice messages, and make 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.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate 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 crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
