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This most recent version of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely 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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family 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 download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not 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 automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service 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 – plus orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.