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This latest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely expensive option, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing 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 the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, 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, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

The 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).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand 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 wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch functionality versus competing watches.