This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just head out 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, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving 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 areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.
