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This newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to venture almost anywhere and monitor every activity.

That makes it an very pricey option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door 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, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets 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 limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with options available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool 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 accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features compared with competing watches.