This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This positions it as an very pricey option, 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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
