The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £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 significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install 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 account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered 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 lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
