Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Satellite Connectivity for Phone-Free Messaging

The newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey 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 screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different 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 service.

Once 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 streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support 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 reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.