The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.
That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency 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 vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.
