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The latest model of Garmin's premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a special edition. This is Garmin's top device and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore almost anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

The company operates its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then billed on top, with more expensive plans including various allowances of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

After you have completed setup, you just head out outside minus your phone and the watch will link 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 companions.

When you message someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of customisable pre-set responses you can send to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to know your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and SOS 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 unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced 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 takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant price, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic smartwatch features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.