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The latest iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single tool needed to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

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

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

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

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure 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.

The result is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice features are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.