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

The newest model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

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

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged 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 locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.