The latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, 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 place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random 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 account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection 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 unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
