This latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL 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 performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused 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 begin 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, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at 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 provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
