The most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
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 reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
