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This newest version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

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

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture the door 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 place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random 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 typed or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.