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This most recent model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and track all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey 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 – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary 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 recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily 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 sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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).

Conclusion

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

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.