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The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses 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 lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling programs 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

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

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.