In-depth review - Garmin Fenix 8 PRO
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro represents a significant step forward for outdoor and endurance users who want serious performance combined with genuine standalone safety and connectivity. On the surface, it looks very similar to the standard Fenix 8 AMOLED, but in use the Pro version feels like a more complete, more independent device, particularly if you spend time in remote areas or often train without your phone.
Having used the Fenix 8 Pro extensively in real-world conditions, we believe the headline upgrade is clear. Garmin has effectively turned this watch into a hybrid between a premium multisport watch and a satellite communicator, without compromising on the core Fenix experience.
At its heart, the Fenix 8 Pro still delivers everything that makes the Fenix range so respected. You get topographic mapping across Europe, excellent GPS accuracy, full health and training metrics, outstanding battery life, and a rugged, outdoor-ready build. If you have used a Fenix 8, the interface, menus and day-to-day experience will feel instantly familiar.
Where the Pro version really differentiates itself is in two key areas, satellite communication and LTE connectivity.
Standalone safety and communication
Unlike the standard Fenix 8, the Fenix 8 Pro includes built-in satellite messaging and SOS capability. This means that if you are off-grid, out of phone signal, or your phone battery has died, you can still contact the outside world directly from your wrist.
In an emergency, you can trigger an SOS alert on the watch, align with Garmin’s fixed satellite network, and be connected to Garmin’s monitoring centre, who can then coordinate rescue. You also have the ability to send preset check-in messages to family and friends, such as “starting my trip”, “ending my trip” or “I am okay”.
In our view, this makes the Fenix 8 Pro particularly appealing for solo walkers, trail runners, backpackers and mountaineers who want an extra layer of reassurance without carrying a separate inReach device.
LTE connectivity without your phone
Alongside satellite communication, the Fenix 8 Pro also includes built-in LTE connectivity. This allows the watch to send text messages, voice messages, make calls and run LiveTrack independently of your phone, provided you have mobile coverage.
This is a really practical feature that we have found genuinely useful. If your phone battery runs out, breaks, or you simply leave it behind, the watch can still share your location via LiveTrack and keep you connected.
From a training and safety perspective, this is a big step forward for Garmin. You get much of the convenience of a connected smartwatch, but with the resilience of a standalone outdoor device.
Display, speaker and build quality
One noticeable upgrade on the Pro model is the brighter AMOLED display. The Fenix 8 Pro offers up to 2,000 nits of brightness, compared to 1,000 nits on the standard Fenix 8 AMOLED. In bright sunlight, this makes a real difference in readability.
The built-in speaker and microphone have also been improved. While most users will still pair the watch with Bluetooth headphones for calls, the fact that you can make and receive calls directly from your wrist is impressive. The speaker is surprisingly clear for such a compact device.
Physically, the Fenix 8 Pro is slightly thicker than the standard Fenix 8 51mm, largely due to the additional satellite hardware. However, it is not noticeably heavier, and in everyday wear it still feels comfortable on the wrist.
Battery life and real-world performance
Battery life remains one of the Fenix range’s greatest strengths. Garmin quotes up to 27 days in smartwatch mode and up to 78 hours of GPS activity with gesture control.
In real-world testing, using automatic SatIQ and LiveTrack over LTE, we found battery performance to be very strong, often exceeding Garmin’s official estimates. For long-distance walkers, ultra runners and multi-day hikers, this is a major advantage.
It is worth noting that LiveTrack via LTE does use more battery than traditional phone-based tracking, but the trade-off of independence from your phone is well worth it.
Who is the Fenix 8 Pro for
In our opinion, the Fenix 8 Pro makes the most sense for people who want maximum self-sufficiency in the outdoors.
If you already carry a dedicated inReach device, you might decide the standard Fenix 8 is sufficient. However, if you do not own a satellite communicator, or you want to reduce the number of devices you carry, the Fenix 8 Pro is a very compelling option.
We particularly recommend it for:
- Solo walkers and runners
- Long-distance hikers
- Mountain runners and climbers
- Anyone who trains regularly without their phone
People who want an all-in-one premium watch with built-in emergency backup
Garmin inReach plans and running costs
To use the satellite and LTE features on the Fenix 8 Pro, you need a Garmin inReach subscription. The good news is that Garmin has made this very flexible.
You can start with a free one-month trial, then choose from monthly rolling plans, which you can pause for up to 12 months if you are not using the watch’s satellite features.
The entry-level Enabled plan is currently $7.99 per month and includes unlimited LTE messaging and calling, plus pay-as-you-go satellite messages. For many users, this will be perfectly adequate.
If you plan to spend extended time off-grid and want more included satellite messages, the Essential or Standard plans may be a better fit.
Final verdict
Overall, we think the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is one of the most capable outdoor watches Garmin has ever produced.
It keeps everything that makes the Fenix range brilliant, while adding genuinely useful standalone communication features that could make a real difference in an emergency.
If you value independence from your phone, train or explore in remote areas, or simply want the most advanced Fenix available, then the Fenix 8 Pro is absolutely worth considering.
Further information
1. Garmin Fenix 8 PRO - 47mm
2. Garmin Fenix 8 PRO - 51 mm
3. What's the difference between a GPS Unit and a GPS Watch
4. Garmin vs Suunto: GPS Watch Map Comparison
5. Garmin Fenix 8 - in-depth review