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This latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an extremely pricey 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 screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone 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 spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

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

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, 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 provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.