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The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

This makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively 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 reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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 plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.