This newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support site. 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 reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
