The newest upgrade to Garmin’s leading Fenix adventure watch introduces potentially life-saving capabilities: independent communication and emergency messaging through 4G or satellite.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already remarkable Fenix 8, incorporating new cellular technology as well as an advanced microLED display in a special edition of the watch. As Garmin’s flagship model, it’s designed to be your comprehensive tool for exploration and tracking.
This ambitious design comes at a high cost, starting from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, AU$2,300) for the 47mm OLED variant, and £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/AU$3,399) for the 51mm model with a microLED screen, nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.
You get remarkable value with top-tier exercise, activity, and adventure tracking capabilities. If you find yourself lost without your phone, an extensive offline map of the world will guide you back. It boasts a stunning, large, clear, and exceptionally bright touchscreen.
The Fenix 8 Pro is thicker and heavier than the regular Fenix 8 by 2.2 mm and 4 g, respectively, giving it a rather bulky presence on the wrist. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Fenix 8 Pro is offered exclusively in case sizes of 47mm or 51mm, lacking the smaller 43mm option available in other Garmin models, making it suitable for larger wrists. Nevertheless, the 47mm OLED version we examined supplies an additional day of battery life for smartwatch usage with the screen continuously on, lasting 8-9 days between charges.
Messaging, Calls, and Live Tracking Without Phone
Garmin utilizes its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription services, rather than depending on a watch plan linked to a smartphone provider like other smartwatches. However, unlike satellite-enabled devices from Apple and Google, emergency SOS messaging isn’t offered for free.
Plans begin at £7.99 per month or its equivalent, offering unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls, and services. LiveTrack enables location sharing, allowing friends and family to monitor your whereabouts while engaging in activities like running or cycling, and providing emergency satellite SOS messaging as well.
Establishing and activating an inReach subscription can be relatively time-consuming, but it’s a one-time process. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Satellite check-ins and text messages incur extra costs, escalating to an unlimited plan of £50 monthly for higher-tier options that provide various satellite allowances. The watch includes a 30-day free trial enabling you to test the service.
Once configured, simply step outside without your phone, and your watch will connect to LTE. While it can’t stream music, you can make calls, send texts, and stay in touch with loved ones.
Messages—including texts, reactions, audio messages, and transcriptions—will display on your watch as well as in the recipient’s Garmin Messenger app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
When you send a text, Garmin transmits an SMS from a random number, and the recipient can reply directly to your watch. Install the Garmin Messenger app to send and receive both text and voice messages as well as making voice calls. Recipients don’t need a Garmin account; a phone number is all that’s required to register for text messaging.
Messaging on the smartwatch functions adequately, but typing on the small onscreen keyboard can be slow. It also includes customizable quick replies for faster interactions. Voice messages and calls work fine, though the quality may not be ideal for lengthy conversations.
LiveTrack is an especially valuable feature. You can configure it to automatically send a link to select contacts when you start an activity, allowing them to track your real-time location on a map. This feature is fantastic for monitoring progress during races and primarily acts as a safety measure for someone you trust to know your whereabouts. The actual location may experience slight delays when transitioning in and out of a strong LTE signal, but it generally performs well.
To transmit a satellite message, your watch must be oriented correctly, with a clear view of the sky. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
All these features are accessible on other Garmin watches as long as you have your phone, but in locations where LTE coverage is absent, the Fenix 8 Pro activates satellite communication for sending texts, location check-ins, and emergency SOS notifications.
The guide provides instructions on how to establish a line of sight to a satellite and to send and receive messages within approximately 10 to 30 seconds. While this function is remarkably user-friendly and can prove to be a critical lifesaver, it’s essential to understand that satellite coverage is confined to the continental U.S., most of Canada, and much of Europe, excluding certain regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north latitude.
Sustainability
Watches are typically optionally repairable as explained on the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly recharging. Currently, this model contains no recycled materials. Garmin provides a recycling program for new purchases.
Price
Pricing for the Fenix 8 Pro begins at £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). Optional Garmin inReach subscription plans are available starting at £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the existing Fenix 8, transforming it into an exceptional adventure watch by adding LTE capabilities for messaging, calling, and LiveTrack, alongside satellite messaging, check-ins, and emergency SOS features when a signal is unavailable.
The result is an even more powerful adventure tool for those seeking to go phone-free. If you’re looking to have someone monitor your safety while you’re out at night or in remote areas, Garmin provides this capability without the need for additional devices.
While it is liberating to venture outdoors without your phone, this convenience comes with a hefty price tag, both in terms of the watch’s significant cost and the ongoing subscription fee for the inReach service. At least it is independent of phone providers, working with any smartphone brand or network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is an excellent choice for those who prefer not to carry the bulk of their phone while running, cycling, or hiking but still want to remain trackable and reachable. For others, it might feel excessive, especially given that the excellent Fenix 8 model is readily available.
Pros: Track everything with LTE and satellite messaging, an ultra-bright OLED display, best-in-class GPS, an integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, over 8 days of battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify access, 100m water resistance and 40m diving capability, with both button and touchscreen functionalities.
Cons: High price point, LTE and satellite features require a monthly subscription, limited banking support for Garmin Pay, sluggish voice functionalities, and smartwatch features are comparatively limited compared to Apple/Google/Samsung devices.
Source: www.theguardian.com
