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This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an extremely 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 regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not 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 following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent 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).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish 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.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.