The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That positions it as 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 price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
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 standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants 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 satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
