The Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Integrated LTE and Orbital Communication for No-Phone Texting

The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an very pricey 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 screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

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

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires 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 satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.