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This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant 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 globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall 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 install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service 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 recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.