This newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers 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 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, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
