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This newest version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, 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 absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large 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 uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

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

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.