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This latest model of the premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite usage, 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.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin 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 – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.