🔗 Share this article

This latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades 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 Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use 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 quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available 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, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all 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, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.