The Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Orbital Connectivity for Phone-Free Messaging

This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.

This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

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

After 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 comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running 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 capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.