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This most recent version of the top-tier Fenix outdoor watch includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, plus an available advanced microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool required to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, starting at £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 – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or family can monitor you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans offering different quotas of orbital use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally via typed or spoken messages, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Texting on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a collection of personalizable canned responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has typically functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices 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 send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to locate the line of sight 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, however it is important to note that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is typically serviceable with options offered via the customer service portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes 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 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 even more impressive adventure tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to provide the features. Fortunately it isn’t reliant on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech features are sluggish, basic wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.