The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, 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 Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After 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 playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only 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 personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at 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 carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
