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This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth via text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches 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, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.