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The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

This 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken 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 register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.