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This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text 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 reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant 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 hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.