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This most recent iteration of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the only tool required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

This positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version 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 smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including different allowances of orbital usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to on its own send a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically functioned well, although the real location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to locate the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is restricted 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 typically repairable with services available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin provides 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 service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features need ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.