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The latest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier device and designed to be the only gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, 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 double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look great on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – plus emergency satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture outside without 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, dispatch 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 respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts every time you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the real position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

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 begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This 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 messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising 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 comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it isn’t reliant on your phone provider so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, basic wearable features versus competing watches.