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This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After 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 playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to register 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 canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins 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 easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier 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 expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.