The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages 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 service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, 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 satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.
