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This newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

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

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you message 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 application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.