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The most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. It is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey option, 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 – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed boasts an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, emergency communication is not provided for no cost.

Instead, plans start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just head out outside without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice messages, and initiate voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is enough to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for extended discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

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

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered through 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 schemes 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 subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.