The most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.
This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.
This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking
The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.
Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.
Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.
After 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 similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.
Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.
LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.
All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Environmental Impact
The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.
Price
This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.
Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.
This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.
Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.
Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.
