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This most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

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

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight 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 remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this 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 cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.