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The latest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

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

Users get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives 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 app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of 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 transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.