The Fenix 8 Pro Review: Built-in LTE and Orbital Communication for Phone-Free Messaging

This newest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular 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 needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.