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The most recent version of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere 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 version and climbing to 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 receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.