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The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to 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.

Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

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 app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest 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 location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices 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 guide displays 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 safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling 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 optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.