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This most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

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

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.