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This latest model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture almost any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door 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, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance shows 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 lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers 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 optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any 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 trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.