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This most recent model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

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

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.