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The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an very expensive 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 variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, 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 automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified 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 disposal schemes 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).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure 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 out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.