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The newest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

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

You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. 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 head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices 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 clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.