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This newest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost 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 climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact 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 adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide 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 crucial lifeline, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

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

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.