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The latest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays 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 straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand 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 desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.