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

The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

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 large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available 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 check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.