This newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring 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 emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
