The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track every activity.
That positions it as 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 twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, 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 tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most 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 feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
