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This most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. 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 without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends 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 reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring 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 SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the clear view 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, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires 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 communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.