The newest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This 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 large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital 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 customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
