Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Satellite Communication for Phone-Free Texting

The newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required 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 substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts 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 comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

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

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

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so 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 substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.