This newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.
That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking
The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin 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 incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.
This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.
