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The most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely 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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. 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 head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text 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 using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches 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 clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

The 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 takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

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

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.