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This newest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various quotas of satellite 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 completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.

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

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.