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

The newest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

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

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends 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 message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register 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 pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.