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This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.