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The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 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 extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike competing satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked well, although the actual position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. 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.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This 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 trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.