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The newest iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.

That makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete 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 sizable, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using text or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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 excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.