The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey option, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping 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 high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside 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 place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know 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 strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
