The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want 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 does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
