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The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, 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 venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can 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 random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool 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 does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.