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This newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £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 screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

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

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.