The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.
Cost
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.
It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
