The newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take 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 number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient 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 set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down 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.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
