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This latest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

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

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with 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 can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features 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, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain 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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.