This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses 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 unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, you just 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.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A guide displays 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
