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The newest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very 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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans including different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Price

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

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.