🔗 Share this article

This latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered 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 model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.