The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively 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. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply 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 can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, 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, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
