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This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without 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, send texts and overall keep in touch 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 download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.