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The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.