This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed 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 satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely 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 functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
