My new favorite Garmin watch all time packaged satellite connectivity in a robust design

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When I have brought a Garmin Inreach Messenger or Mini device on trail racing, walking or fishing outside of cellular coverage to keep in touch with family and friends, while I hope I never have to call emergency services.

It is great that I can now have pea on my wrist with the Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro Amoled, but there are considerations that can limit the attraction for many people.

Also: The best Garmin watches you can buy: expert tested

The Fenix ​​8 Pro has all the important flagship elements of the Fenix ​​8 with the improved software elements of the latest Garmin watches, such as the Forerunner 970. In terms of hardware improvements, the primary distinctive function between Fenix ​​8 and Fenix ​​8 Pro de Lte and satellite connectivity is.

Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 3, however, to have SOS options with a Garmin Fenix ​​8 ProYou must at least have the engaged Inreach plan, which costs $ 7.99 per month. The most expensive premium plan is $ 49.99 per month. All Inreach Fenix ​​8 Pro plans include unlimited LTE messages and calls, together with SOS support, and the price varies depending on the allocation of satellite messages.

$ 7.99 per month for unlimited LTE messages, speech messages, speech calls and location tracking is actually cheaper than the mobile watch plan that I pay for my Apple Watch Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

For the price of the Fenix ​​8 Pro, however, Garmin must contain SOS options for all its in -reach devices without a subscription. It is extremely rare that one should use this service, and the price of the device justifies that kind of emergency cover.

The entire Garmin Satellite Messaging and LTE experience is definitely best via the Garmin Messenger -Smartphone application, so it takes a little effort to have important family and friends download and install that free application so that you can communicate.

However, last weekend I went trail that ran outside of mobile coverage and I was able to send messages and my location to my wife directly to her mobile telephone number. She simply clicked on the link to have my location open in a Garmin Messenger -Browser window, where she could still answer me. Garmin will help people to download the Messenger app, and for those moments when I am rid of the schedule, it is worth using that application.

Also: I tried the Apple Watch Ultra 3 a week to find out who should upgrade – here is my expert advice

With the LTE service on the Fenix ​​8 Pro, a free 30-day trial period of the $ 29.99 Standard plan is included with your purchase. You can send and receive as many messages as you want, so the Fenix ​​8 Pro acts as a typical smartwatch, even if you never use the satellite messages.

However, calls require that the other person uses the Garmin Messenger -app, so that is the biggest challenge for adoption compared to an Apple Watch that simply acts as an expansion of your iPhone.

The experience with satellite and location was excellent. The Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro led me by making the connection with a circle that appears on the watch face. You simply center the circle through your arm and wrist to move the satellite in line with the watch. After alignment and a green mounting color of the circle, your messages will be sent and received.

I spend a lot of time in the forest of Washington, and I was able to obtain a solid signal, even in an opening in the trees, just as wide as a road with one lanes that gave me confidence in his ability to help me send a message when I am injured.

Also: Why I swear by this Garmin Smartwatch about competing models (including the Apple Watch Ultra)

I have quite large wrists and love large watches, but keep in mind that the 51 mm Fenix ​​8 Pro is almost 2 mm thicker than the 51 mm Fenix ​​8. Moreover, because of the LTE and satellite support, there is no 43 mm option of the Fenix ​​8 Pro so that the attraction of the Fenix ​​8 Pro to people who enjoy large, chunky watches.

Fortunately I wear the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor To follow my sleep, so I won’t eliminate my wife with the Fenix ​​8 Pro if I quickly roll over.

The maximum brightness of the Fenix ​​8 Pro is also double that of the Fenix ​​8 Amoled, and it looks great. However, if I am the grid, the battery life is one of my primary worries, and one Enduro Pro With that memory-in-pixel display that includes LTE and satellite connectivity, a great option would be to see in the future.

The Fenix ​​8 Pro Amoled is also expensive, with the smaller 47 mm size from $ 1,199. However, you no longer have to buy a separate in -Reach device, and if the watch saves your life or offers peace of mind for your family and friends while exploring the world, it can be worth the costs.

Garmin also has a micro model available for $ 2,000, but with a shorter battery life than the Amoled model, I don’t see how better off-corner reproduction that the extra $ 700 is worth. Spend that money instead of your Inreach subscription.

ZDnet’s buying advice

The Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro AMOLED Is the most important sports watch for those who want connectivity everywhere, even if they don’t pack a phone. The speaker, microphone, Connect IQ store and advanced software clearly make this watch a premium smartwatch.

Every sport and activity that I can think of is supported on the Fenix ​​8 Pro, and I can’t wait to fly fish, trail run, walking, camping, Alpine Ski, Boot and the world around me. I know that I can keep my family and friends connected and rely on the respondents if I experience a serious emergency situation.