🔗 Share this article

This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, increasing 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 venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.