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The newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required 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 model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

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

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

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, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.