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This newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost anywhere 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 colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone 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 slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set 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 extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, 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 functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.