The latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period 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 comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location 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 location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets 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 most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.