The Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Built-in LTE and Satellite Communication for Phone-Free Messaging

This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent 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 out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends 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 communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.