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This newest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This 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 larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.