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This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to 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.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.