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This latest version of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance 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 lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.