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This most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone 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 has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location 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 vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.