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The most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free messaging and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is the brand's top device and designed to be the only tool required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED screen – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The full offline mapping of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found 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, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, cycling or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive subscriptions including various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with services available through the customer service site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is quite freeing 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 subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand 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 still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.