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This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

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

That makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £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 regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

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

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.