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

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £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 screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

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

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.