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This newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey option, starting at £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 – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient 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 personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. 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 additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely 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 functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.