The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL 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 performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
