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The newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually 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 version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using text 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 functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight 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 orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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

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

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

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.