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The latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent 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 size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

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 comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays 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 easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

The 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).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

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

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost 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 functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.