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This latest iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays 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 straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages 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 adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes 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 superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.