This newest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
This makes it an very pricey 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 twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken 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.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities 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, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
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
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
