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The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, 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 – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However unlike competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally 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 back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a URL to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race 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 effectively, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to remember that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

This 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 excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive adventure device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.