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This most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.

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

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible 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 send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.