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This latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices 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 transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

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

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls 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 wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.