The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, 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 price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.
Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door 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 family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry 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 SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications 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 limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically 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 does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.
