The Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Built-in LTE and Orbital Connectivity for Phone-Free Texting

This newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £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 get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.