🔗 Share this article

The most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

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

Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out 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 place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via 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 materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

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

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night 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 capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.