The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available 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 version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
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 kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.
Cost
This 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened 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 superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
