The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive 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 screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only 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. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However 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 text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although 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 set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
