The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.
That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.
Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support portal. 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 components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, 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, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
