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This most recent model of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost anywhere and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely pricey option, 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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not included for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or comparable activities – plus emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall stay connected with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via typed or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring competition progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on recent purchases.

Cost

The 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).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach plan to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features compared with competing watches.