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The most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track every activity.

That makes it an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size 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 display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends 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 message reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services offered through the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.