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This most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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 excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

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