This newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey 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 – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
