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This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. 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 recycled materials. Garmin offers 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 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 outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

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

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.