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

This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 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 phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform 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 not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

The 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 regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.