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The most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.

That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – 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.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.