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This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

That makes it an very pricey option, priced from £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 – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin 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 incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, 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 reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.