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The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.