This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
