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This most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in 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 remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

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

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.