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This latest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually any location and track every activity.

This positions it as 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 price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service 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 components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.