This newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. 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 position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
