Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Integrated LTE and Satellite Communication for No-Phone Texting

The newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once 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 comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When 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 application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged 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 lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

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

Cost

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.