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This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you message 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 back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

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

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin 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 incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand 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 wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.