The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of 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 feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant 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 is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.
