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The latest model of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the only gadget required to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £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 variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and companions.

Whenever you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using text or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to automatically send a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race progress, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

These capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, though it is important to note that satellite service is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers disposal schemes 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 subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark 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 capability carries a significant price, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately 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 weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or hiking, but still desires to be locatable 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 screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.