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This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £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 get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make 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.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.