This newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate 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, however it is important to remember 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 typically repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new 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).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
