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The most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way 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 sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

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

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, 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.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.