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This newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely 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 double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.