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The newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside 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, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry 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 updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.