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This newest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track every activity.

That 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register 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 personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate 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 vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides 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 builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.