The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, 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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives 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 download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new 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 service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant 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 contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
