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The most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are available 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, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

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