This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged 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 areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. 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.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
