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This latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.