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This newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an very expensive option, 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.