The Fenix 8 Pro Review: Built-in LTE and Orbital Connectivity for Phone-Free Messaging

The latest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, 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 tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make 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 adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

The 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).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.