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This latest version of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

This makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of satellite use, 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 got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message 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 communicate back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked effectively, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

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