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This most recent iteration of the premium Fenix adventure watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an extremely pricey 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.

You do get a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

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

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable pre-set replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly serves as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position check-ins and emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly straightforward to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the support site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and orbital features require ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.