Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Built-in LTE and Satellite Connectivity for Phone-Free Messaging

This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.

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

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.