This most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.
This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want 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 quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription 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 network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in 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 diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
