The most recent iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
