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The newest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is the brand's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an very pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable activities – plus emergency satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent 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).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.