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This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This 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 large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, 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 essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support 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 provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages 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 – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.