The Fenix 8 Pro Analysis: Built-in LTE and Orbital Connectivity for No-Phone Texting

This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

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

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version 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 despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message 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 app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support site. 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 programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

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

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.