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The most recent iteration of Garmin's top-tier Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

This makes it an very pricey proposition, starting at £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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent 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 dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life despite the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive subscription. 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 playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to selected contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to remember that satellite service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with services available through the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

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 builds on a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so works with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, basic smartwatch features versus competing watches.