🔗 Share this article

This latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing 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 the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

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 excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs 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 adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool 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 remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, 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 best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.