The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.
Once you have got it set up, you just venture 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, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.
Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.
This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
