The Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Integrated LTE and Satellite Communication for Phone-Free Messaging

This newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing 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 without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

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

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available 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, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

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

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any 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, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.