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The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random 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 account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight 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 vital safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating 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 subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.