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This most recent iteration of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge cellular tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually any location and track every activity.

This makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 edition with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

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

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever 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 app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

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

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

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities 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, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.