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The most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.

That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide 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 surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.