The Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Integrated LTE and Satellite Communication for No-Phone Messaging

This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £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 display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance shows 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.