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The latest model of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

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

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus competing watches.