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This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost 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 climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch 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 app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices 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 check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.