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The latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost 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, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant 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 burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.