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This newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital 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 orbital system, 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 satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The 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

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

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

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.