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The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to venture virtually any location and track all your movements.

This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are sluggish, basic smartwatch features compared with competing watches.