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This newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.

This makes it an extremely 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 display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

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

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.