This most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide 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 easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.
