This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
That makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available 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 despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing 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 simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
