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The latest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

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

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes 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 lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.