The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and monitor 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 version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once 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 playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install 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 phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely 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 on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
