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The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile tech, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's top model and engineered to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That makes it an extremely pricey proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its full offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the more compact 43mm size available in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested boasts an additional day of watch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

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 provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messages, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via orbital 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 comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set replies you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s excellent for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically worked well, though the actual position has occasionally lagged when moving in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers 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 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 incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an even more impressive adventure device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated 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 touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite functions need ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus competing watches.