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The newest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling 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 phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A guide 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

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

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.