The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art 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 track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to 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 functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.
After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.
It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.
