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The newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile 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 single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That makes it 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 display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp 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 devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

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

Once you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send 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 sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs 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 packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.