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

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

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

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once 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 playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position 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 something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.