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

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities 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 transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through 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 recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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

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

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.