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This newest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's premier model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an very expensive option, starting at £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and generally 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 install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, although the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates 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 outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless 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 satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.