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The latest version of the top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.

This positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, you simply venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, just a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has typically worked well, although the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS 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 unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin provides disposal schemes on new purchases.

Cost

This 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 builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.