This most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
This 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital use, 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 got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, 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 essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
