This latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, 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 can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible 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 send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate 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 crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing 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 monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.
