The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas 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 got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
