Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Orbital Communication for No-Phone Messaging

The newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

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

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited 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 services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.