The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, 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. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate 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 vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal 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 subscription packages begin 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 texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors 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 provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
