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The latest version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

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

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.