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This newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive option, 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 display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just 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 keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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 orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view 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 vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new 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

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

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

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.