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This most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey 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 regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

This 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 builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.