🔗 Share this article

The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

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 climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications 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 coverage is limited 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 typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated 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 schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

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 exercising out at night 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 substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.