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The newest iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

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 climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message 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 messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities 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, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows 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 straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via 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 recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it is not 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 dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.