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This newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile 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 equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

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

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.