The most recent version of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only 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 time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
