Garmin continues to expand its Fenix range like an athlete refusing to cross the finish line. With the Fenix 8 Pro, the American manufacturer has reached a new technological milestone and clearly demonstrated its ambitions: to make its most comprehensive outdoor watch on the market a true concentration of innovation. On the agenda: LTE connectivity to stay reachable even without a smartphone, satellite connection to communicate from dead zones, a new microLED display that's brighter and more contrasty, and a reworked software interface.
On paper, it's the watch of all superlatives: power, battery life, precision. But didn't Garmin try to overdo it? Between promises of total connectivity, ever-increasing sensors, and prices that flirt with the very high end, the Fenix 8 Pro aims to redefine the ultimate multisport watch. We tested it over hundreds of kilometers, in the mountains and in the city, in the rain and in full sun, to see if this avalanche of innovations really lives up to its promises in the field.
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First impressions: thicker, but still impeccably finished
As soon as you take the Fenix 8 Pro out of its box, the change is obvious, or rather, on your wrist. The watch has grown in size, and it's immediately noticeable. Garmin has added about 2 mm of thickness compared to the classic Fenix 8, or nearly 15% more. The 47 mm model goes from about 15 mm to 17 mm, while the 51 mm climbs to 17.5 mm. On paper, the difference seems minimal, but in everyday use it's noticeable. The watch feels more massive, more present, even if the weight remains under control. In reality, it's mainly the balance on the wrist that changes, giving the impression of a denser product.
Garmin has taken great care in terms of materials. All Pro models now feature a titanium case and sapphire crystal as standard, reinforcing the watch's premium aura. The Start button features a distinctive red border on some finishes, including the microLED and Carbon Gray DLC versions, while the two-tone straps, light gray on the back and black or dark gray on the front, add a sleek, modern look.
On the wrist, the 47mm size remains the most balanced and comfortable, even on an average 185mm wrist. The 51mm is more imposing, but after a few days, you get used to it. In hand and on the wrist, the Fenix 8 Pro exudes solidity and precision, true to Garmin's premium DNA, despite its more assertive build.
The end of an era for the Fenix series
With the Fenix 8 Pro , Garmin is turning a major page in its history. The brand is not hesitating to shake up two founding symbols of the Fenix range. First revolution: goodbye to transflective MIP screens , those ultra-readable panels in full sunlight that had made Garmin's reputation among adventurers. Now it's time for the generalized AMOLED , more contrasted, more modern and even an exclusive microLED version on high-end models. A bold technological choice, but one that risks making some purists grind their teeth.
Second change of direction: solar charging is completely eliminated . A first in several generations, which is surprising for a watch designed for autonomy. Garmin seems to be reserving this technology for its future Enduro series, more focused on extreme endurance.
Finally, the 43mm format is also bowing out . The integration of LTE and satellite antennas has made miniaturization impossible, pushing Garmin to focus on the 47 and 51mm cases . A sacrifice assumed, undoubtedly temporary, but which leaves out thinner wrists.
In short, this Fenix 8 Pro marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new technological cycle at Garmin that is more ambitious, more connected, but also more divisive .
MicroLED, a technological feat at a high price
The real star of this generation is the Fenix 8 Pro microLED in its 51mm version. Garmin has achieved a world first : no other sports watch has yet adopted this screen technology. On paper, microLED ticks all the boxes of the ideal future: extreme brightness up to 4500 nits , infinite contrast , and reduced power consumption compared to AMOLED.
But on the ground, the promises quickly crumble. Despite the technical prowess, the battery life collapses : barely 4 days of use in smartwatch mode , compared to nearly 13 days for the classic AMOLED version . A difference that's difficult to justify, especially for a product so endurance-oriented.
And the price doesn't help. Priced at around 2000 euros , this microLED version is clearly positioned as a technological showcase , a demonstrator of Garmin's know-how rather than a model intended for the general public. The real references in the catalog therefore remain the 47 and 51 mm AMOLED versions , more balanced and offered at 1199 and 1299 euros .
A fine demonstration of innovation, certainly, but for the moment, the microLED on a smartwatch is more of a high-end prototype than the expected revolution.
A brighter screen that changes the game
The Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED is a real breakthrough. Garmin doubled the brightness compared to the previous generation, going from around 1000 to 2000 nits , the same level as the Forerunner 970. In direct sunlight, the difference is obvious. During our trail runs in the middle of the afternoon, readability remained impeccable, even when the rays hit the screen directly.
Indoors, the gain is obviously less noticeable, but outdoors, these 2000 nits change everything : the display is sharper, the colors more striking, and the data remains perfectly readable, even in the most extreme conditions. The microLED takes the concept even further, with up to 4500 nits announced. But in reality, the visual gain is minimal compared to the AMOLED version, and the additional cost remains difficult to justify.
In everyday use, we set the brightness to two-thirds to preserve battery life, and that's more than enough. Garmin has achieved a convincing balance between display power and visual comfort , making the Fenix 8 Pro one of the most readable watches on the market. On this criterion, it clearly ranks at the top of the podium .
Autonomy, the price to pay for connectivity
One of the weak points of the Fenix 8 Pro is its battery life. Whether we're talking about the 47mm or 51mm format, we notice a significant drop compared to the classic Fenix 8. Several factors explain this degradation. First, the brighter screen naturally consumes more energy. Second, the additional electronics for LTE and satellite connectivity nibble away at precious milliamps. Finally, it's likely that Garmin had to reduce the battery size slightly to fit all these components into the case.
In standard smartwatch mode with automatic LTE, the Fenix 8 Pro 47mm AMOLED lasts around 10 to 15 days , which is still decent but behind the classic Fenix 8. The real problem comes with the permanent LTE mode , which is necessary to receive calls and messages in real time. In this case, 35 to 40% of the battery evaporates each day , reducing the autonomy to barely 2.5 days , a level close to that of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. A radical change for those used to Garmin watches who were counting on weeks of use.
During our trail runs with GPS, optical cardio and LTE live tracking activated , consumption reached around 4.7% per hour , in accordance with Garmin specifications. For a 4 to 5 hour outing, count on 20 to 25% battery . This is perfectly manageable for short runs, but for ultras of more than 24 hours, you will need to bring an external battery or disable certain functions .
On this point, Garmin has made a clear compromise: connectivity and advanced technologies come at a price, and that is the traditional autonomy of the Fenix .
Satellite connectivity, a half-hearted promise
This is where Garmin's ambitions collide with reality. The Fenix 8 Pro doesn't use the Iridium of traditional InReach devices, but instead relies on Skylo , a software solution that connects to geostationary satellites positioned 22,000 miles above the equator.
In practical terms, the difference is enormous. Unlike Iridium satellites, which are constantly moving, geostationary satellites remain fixed in the sky. If your view of the satellite is obstructed, you simply won't get through . Whereas an InReach could automatically pick up another satellite, on the Fenix 8 Pro, you have to move yourself . Coverage remains decent in mid-latitudes, but the further north you go, the more complicated it becomes. In Alaska, it's limited, and at the poles, the system becomes completely unusable.
In the field, connecting is tedious. You have to orient your body in the direction indicated on the screen, sometimes recalibrate the compass by making figure-eight movements with your wrist. Then a gray circle appears and you have to align the disk before the system searches for the signal. The circle changes from blue to green if the connection is established, then the message is sent. When it works, the latency is low and the message goes out quickly. But it only works about half the time . Even under clear skies in Southern California, failures are common, and under light tree cover, the situation becomes even more complicated. The circle can change from blue to green to red before the system gives up.
This unpredictable reliability poses a real problem for emergency situations. This connection cannot be relied upon to send a critical SOS , unlike InReach devices, which automatically transmit the position at regular intervals. Sending your position manually is still possible, but if it is unable to do so, the watch will do nothing. In this respect, the Fenix 8 Pro is still far from the reliability of dedicated satellite solutions .
LTE, a different approach to classic cellular watches
The LTE connectivity works very differently from that of an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, and this is a crucial point to understand before any purchase. By default, the watch is in automatic LTE mode . In this mode, the connection only activates when you use a function that requires it, like sending a message or making a call. The rest of the time, the LTE radio is turned off. This means that if someone calls or messages you while you're hiking, you won't receive it unless you manually check your messages.
Imagine this: You go hiking at 9 a.m., and at 9:05 a.m., a loved one tries to contact you about an emergency. If you don't check the Garmin Messenger app during your outing, you won't know anything until you get home and reconnect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This is radically different from the traditional operation of a cellular watch, where calls and messages arrive in real time.
Fortunately, Garmin offers a permanent LTE mode , which keeps the connection active and allows you to receive calls and messages instantly. But here again, the price to pay is high: autonomy drops drastically with 35 to 40% of battery consumed per day , forcing you to choose between responsiveness and endurance .
The technology used isn't classic LTE either. Garmin is betting on LTE -M , a low-power variant designed for the Internet of Things and wearables. No phone number is associated with the watch; everything goes through the data connection, even voice calls. On paper, this is clever. In practice, reliability is uneven . Our tests show a success rate of around 75 to 80% . Sometimes the connection is perfect in areas where a smartphone has no signal. Other times, in the middle of a living room with excellent coverage, it's impossible to send a message, while an Apple Watch next to it works without a problem.
Another frustration: no data on LTE signal strength is available during an activity. In automatic LTE mode, the radio is turned off anyway. Even in always-on mode, you have to leave the activity screen to check the signal strength on the main dial. This seriously complicates the task when looking for a good location to send a message while out and about.
On this criterion, the Fenix 8 Pro remains experimental . The idea is interesting, but the implementation is still far from the fluidity and reliability of classic cellular watches .
Voice calls and messages, functional but limited
When the LTE connection is working properly, voice calls offer pretty decent quality. The Fenix 8 Pro's microphone and speaker do their job, but be careful: you can't call just any number like on an Apple Watch. All calls go through the Garmin Messenger app . The person you're talking to must either have the app installed on their smartphone or also own a Fenix 8 Pro. It's a system similar to WhatsApp, entirely based on the data connection. Functional, but limited in practice.
For text messages , the keyboard remains tiny. Typing with tired or sweaty fingers is a real struggle . Predictive typing helps a bit, but there's no voice dictation to directly convert your voice to text like on an offline Apple Watch.
The most convenient feature remains voice notes . Just tap, speak, and the watch simultaneously sends the audio recording and its transcription to the recipient. Fast and efficient, much more practical than the Lilliputian keyboard. Unfortunately, this function only works on LTE , not satellite.
There's also the option to send quick reactions , such as tap backs, to confirm receipt of a message. A small convenience that lets you stay in touch without going all out.
In summary, the Fenix 8 Pro provides basic communication , but with notable limitations that make the experience less fluid than on a traditional cellular watch.
Live Track without a phone, well almost
Live Track feature lets your friends and family follow your progress in real time during your outings. With the Fenix 8 Pro , it's possible to broadcast your location via LTE without having your phone on you , a welcome evolution from the MapShare solutions of traditional InReach devices. Your contacts can even send you encouragement via an online form that arrives directly on the watch.
The problem is that this feature only works with LTE . No satellite. If you go out of cellular coverage, Live Track stops. As soon as you return to coverage, tracking resumes and fills in the gaps, but during the entire time off the network, your loved ones won't see anything.
This is a major difference from a classic InReach , which offers real-time tracking everywhere thanks to Iridium satellites . On the Fenix 8 Pro, it is possible to manually send its position via satellite, but it requires going through the whole alignment process with the satellite. No automatic tracking in satellite mode is available.
Live Track without a phone is a great step forward, but still too dependent on the LTE network for adventurers outside of cellular coverage .
Critical bug in GPS recording
During our tests, we came across a completely incomprehensible bug , which persists despite several firmware updates. While hiking, we stopped to send a satellite message . Once the message was sent, we continued walking. Taking a look at the map on the screen, surprise: our position remained frozen exactly where we had sent the message, while we continued moving forward.
The total distance recorded matched the distance recorded by our Apple Watch Ultra while wearing it , but the GPX track stopped dead at the point where the message was sent. We reproduced the issue after the update, with the same result .
Garmin forums are full of similar stories . How did a bug that affects the very purpose of a GPS watch get past quality control? It's a mystery that seriously undermines the trust we can place in this watch for serious outings.
For trail and ultra-endurance enthusiasts who rely on GPS reliability, this malfunction is unacceptable and deserves urgent correction. In this specific respect, the Fenix 8 Pro is far from matching the reliability of some competitors .
Incident detection, a security with variable geometry
The Fenix 8 Pro incident detection feature , capable of detecting a violent fall during certain activities and alerting your emergency contacts. With LTE connectivity, you no longer need to have your phone on you ; the watch can send the alert directly. On paper, this is reassuring.
In practice, this feature remains limited . Unlike the Apple Watch or Pixel Watch , the Fenix 8 Pro doesn't automatically dial 911 , nor does it contact Garmin Response , Garmin's emergency coordination center. It simply sends a message to your saved personal contacts . And of course, in satellite , nothing works automatically: everything must be initiated manually.
It's better than nothing , but on this specific criterion, the Fenix 8 Pro doesn't reach the level of automatic safety of its competitors , and users should be fully aware of this before setting out on isolated or extreme outings.
InReach subscriptions, a model that can be expensive
To take advantage of all the connected features , you need to subscribe to a Garmin InReach subscription . Unlimited LTE is included on all plans, with no international roaming charges in supported countries, which is a real plus. The difference between the plans is based on the volume of satellite communications allowed , with rates ranging from €6.87 to €85.99 per month depending on your needs. Garmin also offers an online calculator to help you choose the best plan. The good news: there is a 30-day free trial to test the system.
The bad news is that if you already have an InReach device like the Mini 2 and want to add the Fenix 8 Pro, you can only have one device active at a time on a standard account. To use two devices simultaneously, you'll need to upgrade to a more expensive business account or purchase two separate subscriptions , with two contact lists, two separate accounts... in short, double the complexity .
Another crucial point: without an active InReach subscription, the SOS function is not available , even in LTE. On an Apple Watch, it is generally possible to dial emergency numbers without a carrier plan. On the Fenix 8 Pro, no InReach subscription = no SOS , because the watch uses an LTE-M chip considered as a data connection , and not as a classic telephone line subject to regulatory obligations for emergency calls.
In summary, Garmin offers an interesting ecosystem, but it can quickly become expensive and complicated to use for those who already own an InReach device or who rely on the watch for autonomous safety.
Sporty features, always at the top
Fortunately, on the sports , the Fenix 8 Pro doesn't disappoint. It retains all the features of the classic Fenix 8 : activity tracking, advanced metrics, sport modes, and health tracking. Nothing has been removed, and nothing new either.
For endurance athletes , Garmin remains the gold standard highly detailed analysis of training load , recovery time , VO2 max , running and . The ecosystem is open , integrating seamlessly with Strava , TrainingPeaks and other third-party platforms without an additional subscription , unlike some competitors.
During our outings, GPS accuracy is there, even if Apple Ultra 3 has made notable progress and now displays the best GPS accuracy on the market according to several tests. The optical heart rate monitor works well, but a chest sensor remains more reliable for intense interval training. The new training modes and the reworked interface provide appreciable ease of use on a daily basis.
In summary, on the sporting front, the Fenix 8 Pro remains on the podium , offering a complete experience for all types of athletes.
Bugs and various issues
Beyond the GPS bug related to satellite messages , the Fenix 8 Pro has other teething problems . We noticed several untimely reboots , especially when saving an activity . The automatic screen dimming function at night , which cannot be disabled, remains annoying for users who want to maintain total control over the brightness .
In the official Garmin forums , reports of various bugs are piling up. The pattern is now common: an update fixes some bugs, but creates others . A cycle that undermines confidence in the watch.
Many users also report unexplained battery drainage issues , even beyond the expected consumption in always-on LTE mode .
These various problems show that, despite its many qualities, the Fenix 8 Pro is not yet fully mature and requires increased vigilance for those who rely on it for intensive use or long outings.
A close duel against the Apple Watch Ultra 3
It's impossible to avoid the comparison with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 , as these two watches target the same adventurers and demanding athletes. Apple hits hard with 5G and satellite communication via low-orbit satellites , offering lower latency and a generally more reliable connection than Garmin's Skylo system. Big advantage for Apple: satellite services are free for 2 years , where Garmin charges from the first month after the trial. The Ultra 3 also automatically dials emergency services in the event of a fall, wherever you are, with or without a cellular plan.
Apple is adding hypertension notifications based on 30-day passive blood vessel analysis, an advanced medical feature that's still awaiting FDA approval but is expected to roll out to more than 150 countries. The new Sleep Score , based on millions of nights of data, and the Workout Buddy assistant , which provides real-time vocal coaching, further modernize the experience. For $899, the Ultra 3 offers a very attractive feature-to-price ratio if you're already in the Apple ecosystem.
But Garmin retains its strong points . The battery life , even reduced on the Pro, remains well above the 2.5 days of the Ultra 3 in intensive use . For ultra-distances or expeditions over several days, this is a decisive criterion. The training metrics remain more advanced, more numerous and above all open , allowing easy export of data to any third-party service without limitation. Garmin has been speaking the language of serious athletes for decades, and it is felt in every detail of the interface and the analyses offered.
On the pitch, it's a close duel , but each has its strengths: Apple seduces with its immediacy and integrated services , Garmin convinces with its endurance, precision and depth of sports data .
✔ Impressive onboard technology: LTE-M, Skylo satellite, GPS and advanced communication in a compact package.
✔ Bright display: AMOLED up to 2000 nits (or microLED 4500 nits theoretical), readable in direct sunlight.
✔ Comprehensive sports features: Advanced metrics, running/cycling dynamics, VO2 max, health tracking and integration with Strava/TrainingPeaks.
✔ Respectable battery life in standard use: 10-15 days for the 47 mm model in smartwatch mode.
✔ Premium finishes: Titanium case, sapphire crystal, buttons and bracelets worked.
✔ Live Track LTE: Allows real-time activity tracking without requiring the phone.
✔ Voice notes and quick reactions via Garmin Messenger.
✖ LTE and satellite reliability is random: Messages and calls do not always go through (Skylo limited in polar areas).
✖ Critical GPS bug: Tracking is stopped when sending a satellite message.
✖ Default LTE mode not real-time: Calls/messages delayed if permanent LTE mode is not enabled.
✖ Permanent LTE battery life: Drops to 2-3 days (comparable to an Apple Watch).
✖ No dedicated number: All communication goes through Garmin Messenger, complicating exchanges.
✖ Limited incident detection: Alerts sent only to contacts, not emergency services.
✖ InReach subscription required: Additional cost for SOS and satellite functions (complications in case of multiple devices).
✖ Prohibitive MicroLED: €2,000 for only 4 days of battery life (more of a gadget than a practical product).
✖ Unexpected reboots and various bugs: Screen dimming at night, battery drain, imperfect update cycle.
Final verdict: a watch of the future that is still shaky
So, what can we learn from the Fenix 8 Pro after hundreds of kilometers of testing on all types of terrain? It's a deeply ambivalent . On the one hand, Garmin deserves credit for miniaturizing all the satellite and LTE technology into a watch format. It's an undeniable technical feat . On the other, the execution leaves something to be desired. 50% satellite reliability in Southern California under clear skies is simply insufficient for a safety feature . The GPS bug that stops recording when sending a satellite message is downright prohibitive . How can you market a high-end GPS watch with such a flaw?
LTE it works, brings real freedom to leave your smartphone at home. But its random reliability and its default mode that is not true real-time can create dangerous illusions. Battery life, which drops dramatically in permanent LTE mode, brings the Fenix 8 Pro down to the level of a classic smartwatch, erasing one of Garmin's main historical advantages.
If you're mostly in cellular areas and just want to go phone-free for your daily runs and rides, the Fenix 8 Pro might be a good fit. For backpackers who go fully autonomous for several days, the regular Fenix 8 paired with an InReach Mini 2 reliable and long-lasting combination . Alternatively, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 , if the Apple ecosystem suits you, offers a more consistent satellite experience free for two years.
The €2000 microLED version is a no-go unless you have an unlimited budget. Its abysmal 4-day battery life and insane price tag are not justified by any significant practical advantage over the AMOLED version.
In short, the Fenix 8 Pro is a watch of the future , but the future is not yet here. If you're buying new and you think connected features are essential, go for it knowingly, but keep a plan B for your critical communications. For those looking for a great, no-nonsense outdoor sports watch, the classic Fenix 8 or even an Enduro 3 offer a much more serene experience with solid battery life, which will quickly make you forget about those still- too-immature .
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