The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible 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, location updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications 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 coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating 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 monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
