The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.
This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.
No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.
Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only 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 set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so 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 substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make 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, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
