🔗 Share this article

The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular 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 additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.