The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor 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 model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling 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 service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
