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The latest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.