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This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an very pricey option, 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 regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

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

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

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, 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 locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages 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 service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.