🔗 Share this article

This newest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile 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 required to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile 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 includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus competing watches.