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This latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

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

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without 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 sizes, 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 does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS 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 crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited 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 serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes 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 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 regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

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