Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Built-in LTE and Orbital Communication for Phone-Free Messaging

This latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.

That makes it an very pricey 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable 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, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.