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This most recent model of the top-tier Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and track every activity.

This positions it as an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model 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 regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning 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 does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight 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, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside 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. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.