The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular 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 service plans cost 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 messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
