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The latest iteration of the flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

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

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

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

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.