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The most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely 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 – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.