The most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
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 comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install 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 app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
