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This most recent model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

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

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

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 playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.