The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
