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This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving feature: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely pricey option, priced from £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 display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the screen always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, like other smartwatches. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download 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, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

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

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives 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 satellite coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on new purchases.

Cost

The 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 outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, voice and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.