Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Satellite Connectivity for No-Phone Messaging

This latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying 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 provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends 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 communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital 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 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, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.