The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost 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 dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
