The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
