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This latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece brings a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top device and engineered to be the only gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £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 display – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, 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 service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.