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The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide 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 vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.