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This newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support portal. 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 schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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 fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.