Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Orbital Communication for Phone-Free Messaging

The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.

This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download 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 application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very freeing 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 monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

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

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.