🔗 Share this article

This newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an very 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 regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins 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 messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.