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The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere 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 model 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.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.