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The newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition 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 typically worked well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome 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 from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

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

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.