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The latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the single tool required to venture almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £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 variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm size available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

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

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have completed setup, 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 make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends 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 reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach subscription 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 standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

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 recurring fee of the inReach service to provide the service. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but nevertheless wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.