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This latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond 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 profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient 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 set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with most wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, though the actual location has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

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

A guide shows you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing additional gear.

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

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.