🔗 Share this article

The most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track 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 reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.