The latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches 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 check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome 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 middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
