The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin watches 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, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available 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 does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
