This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.
That positions it as 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
