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The most recent version of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency alerts via 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating cutting-edge mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore almost any location and monitor all your movements.

That positions it as an very expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading workout, movement and outdoor tracking. Its full offline maps of the world can automatically direct you back to the path if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of watch battery life despite the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Messaging, Calling and Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, as with other wearables. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack location tracking – so your friends or family can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering different quotas of satellite use, climbing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or similar activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth via text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of customisable canned replies you can use to expedite communication. Spoken messages and calls perform OK, although as with most wearables, 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 configure to automatically send a link to selected contacts every time you begin an exercise, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following competition performance, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these features are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry 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 satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically repairable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Price

This 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

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus orbital messaging, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor tool for those that want to be unplugged. If you want to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is very liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach plan to enable the features. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless wants to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and orbital communication, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial support, voice features are slow, limited wearable functionality versus competing watches.