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The latest iteration of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a life-saving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is Garmin's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This makes it an very expensive proposition, priced from £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 edition with microLED display – almost twice the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a significant features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the more compact 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, as with other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency satellite SOS alerts.

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

Once you have got it set up, you simply venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and friends.

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

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up 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 serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, although the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and emergency 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial safety feature, however it is important to note that satellite coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically repairable with options available via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost 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 texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want 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 additional gear.

It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

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