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The most recent version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

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

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations 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 begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view 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 safety feature, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs 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).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.