This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
