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This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

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

You do get a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate 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.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling 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

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

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.