The most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
