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The newest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model 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 standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect 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 stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

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 power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive 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.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes 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 satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.