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This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text 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 communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features 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 send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.