Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: SOS on Your Wrist, But at a Price

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED introduces integrated LTE and satellite connectivity, enabling users to stay in touch and access SOS services when off the grid. This significant hardware upgrade, a key differentiator from the standard Fenix 8, requires an active inReach subscription plan, with costs beginning at $7.99 per month for unlimited LTE messaging and SOS support.

While the satellite messaging and location experience are reported as excellent, with a user-friendly alignment system, users must also encourage contacts to download the free Garmin Messenger app for full communication. The watch itself offers a vibrant AMOLED display, double the brightness of its predecessor, and supports a wide range of sports and activities, making it a premium smartwatch option.

However, the Fenix 8 Pro comes with a substantial price tag, starting at $1,199 for the 47mm model, and the 51mm version is notably thicker, with no smaller size option available. This focus on larger-sized devices may deter some potential buyers. Despite the subscription cost for emergency features, the added peace of mind and connectivity for outdoor enthusiasts could justify the investment.