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The newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, 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 always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

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

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is certified 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 disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.