The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different 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 service.
After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays 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 straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The 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 builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
