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This newest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive 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 – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry 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 updates and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.