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The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.