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This latest model of Garmin's top-tier Fenix outdoor timepiece brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only gadget needed to venture virtually anywhere and track all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive option, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant features for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, as with other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive subscriptions offering various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

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

Whenever you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition performance, but it primarily acts as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal programs on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating 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 monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with competing watches.