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This latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

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

You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. 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 programs on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want 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 does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.