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The latest version of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches 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 message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.