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This latest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely expensive 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 display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.