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This newest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, 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 even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

The 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).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all 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 jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.