Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Integrated LTE and Orbital Connectivity for Phone-Free Texting

The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to 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 receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

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