The newest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages 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, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
