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This most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

This positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.