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The most recent iteration of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an optional advanced microLED display in a special edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and monitor all your movements.

That makes it an very pricey proposition, 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 variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your investment, with industry-leading workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm size available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and texts via satellite are then charged additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable activities, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate back and forth via typed or voice communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a mobile number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls work acceptably, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the most useful function. You can set it up to on its own send a link to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily 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 occasionally been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite service is restricted to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch lacks any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs 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 service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus orbital communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable outdoor tool for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

It is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the colossal price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone provider so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, biking or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, super-bright OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touch.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality compared with competing watches.