This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back 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, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find 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 vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
