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The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random 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 communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services 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 lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. 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 needing anything else.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.