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This newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.