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This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available 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 lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.