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The most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture 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 place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth 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 mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.