The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.
This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.
When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.
It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.
