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The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes 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 can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install 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 application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes 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 cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.