This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.
Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.
After you have got it set up, 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 activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.
When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices 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 send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide displays you how to find 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 vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.
Price
The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.
Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
