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This most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

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

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when moving 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 activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

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

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.