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The newest model of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

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

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

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 regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.