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The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.

This makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once 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 similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.