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The latest iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the only tool needed to venture almost anywhere and track every activity.

This positions it as an extremely pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, 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 restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Verdict

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

Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.