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This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.

This makes it an very pricey 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 screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

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

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall 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 back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

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

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.