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The latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

This makes it 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 display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When 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 application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal 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 optional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

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

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, 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 touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.