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This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

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 version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot 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.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches 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 via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition 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 generally worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

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

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.