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The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That makes it an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, 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 sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.