This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art 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.
This makes it an very expensive 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 twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world 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.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, 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 provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate 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.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not 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 automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible 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, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
