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This latest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

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

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.