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This most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an very 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 display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages 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 orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.