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This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

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

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most 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 function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for 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 maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.