The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations 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 shows 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 straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
