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This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on 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 more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends 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 message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor 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.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

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

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.