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This newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

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

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location 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 easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.