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This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

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 application, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.