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This most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £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 screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate 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 tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has occasionally 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 areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least 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 burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.