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The newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The 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 larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model 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.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

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

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text 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 text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.