The newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – 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 texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without 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, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
