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This most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to 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 phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.