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The latest version of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When 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 application, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent 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

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

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

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full 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 payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.