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The most recent model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a life-saving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. It is Garmin's top device and designed to be the only gadget needed to venture almost any location and track 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 reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of features for your investment, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure monitoring. Its full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you return to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life even with the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts over orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply venture the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and friends.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via text or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to on its own transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good 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 satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is important to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to provide the service. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

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

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED screen, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touch.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and satellite functions require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.