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The latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient 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 adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

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

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.