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This latest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, plus an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's top device and engineered to be the single gadget required to venture virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.

This positions it as an very pricey option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and adventure monitoring. The full offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered 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. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Real-Time Location

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, biking or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts via orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different allowances of orbital usage, 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.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case something happens. It has generally worked effectively, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, though it is essential to remember that orbital coverage is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

This is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so works with all brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but still desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.