🔗 Share this article

This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very pricey option, 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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.