This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor 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 version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
