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The most recent version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone 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 has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live 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 whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice 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: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.