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The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

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

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once 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 streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, 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 know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor 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.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.