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The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through 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 does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.