This newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive 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 screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location 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 location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone 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.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
