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This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are accessible 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, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

This 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 fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.