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The latest version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £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 significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.