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This newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. 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 great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.