This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive 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 the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through 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 materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This 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 wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
