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The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very pricey proposition, 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 edition with microLED screen – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, 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 functions fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, although the real location has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives 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 note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

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

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.