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The newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an very 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 edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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 essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled 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 optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities 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 underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.