The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.
That 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 display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
