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This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency 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 crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a 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 isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.