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This most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 screen – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

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

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message 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 app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

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

A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new 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 subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.