This newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited 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 just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes 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 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 adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
