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The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That 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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible 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 shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new 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 builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited wearable features versus competing watches.