Garmin Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED ZDNET's key takeaways The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is available in two sizes and two display technologies, starting at $1,199.99.
LTE and satellite support enhance safety and let you communicate without a phone.
The watch is expensive and very thick, and you need a subscription to activate a call for emergencies. $1,199.99 at Garmin $1,189.95 at Amazon $1,189.95 at Walmart more buying choices
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When I go trail running, hiking, or fishing outside of cellular coverage, I've been taking a Garmin inReach Messenger or Mini device with me to stay in touch with family and friends while hoping I never have to call emergency services.
It's awesome that I can now have peace of mind right on my wrist with the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED, but there are considerations that may limit its appeal to many people.
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The Fenix 8 Pro has all of the key flagship elements of the Fenix 8 with the enhanced software elements of the latest Garmin watches, like the Forerunner 970. In terms of hardware improvements, the primary distinguishing feature between the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro is the LTE and satellite connectivity.
Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 3, though, to have SOS capability with a Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, you need to have at least the Enabled 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 messaging and calling, along with SOS support, and the price varies depending on the allotment of satellite messaging buckets.
$7.99 per month for unlimited LTE messaging, voice messaging, voice calls, and location tracking is actually less expensive than the cellular watch plan I pay for my Apple Watch Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
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