The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.
That positions it as an very expensive option, 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 significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location
The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.
Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link 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 family and companions.
Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though 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 handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.
All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.
A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Conclusion
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.
It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.
This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.
Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.
