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The newest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track every activity.

This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, 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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing 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 got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new 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 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This 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 locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.