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This latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital 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 got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view 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 lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new 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 packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.