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The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

This positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

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 voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates 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 lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.