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This newest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.

This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most 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 site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 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 satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.