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This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible 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 transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.