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The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

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

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

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets 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 restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.