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The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix outdoor watch includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or orbital links.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile technology, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool required to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

That positions it as an very pricey proposition, starting at £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 screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, movement and outdoor tracking. Its complete offline maps of the world can seamlessly direct you back to the path if you get lost without a phone, and look excellent on the large, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, lasting a solid eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service instead of relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to competing satellite-enabled products, emergency messaging is not provided for no cost.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides limitless LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or comparable activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Location updates and texts over satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various allowances of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can test out the service.

Once you have got it set up, you just venture the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you are able to make and take calls, send texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or voice messages, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, just a mobile number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of personalizable pre-set responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can track your live position on a map. It’s great for following competition performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked well, though the actual location has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin devices if you bring 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 emergency SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital service is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled materials. Garmin provides recycling 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

This is quite liberating to be outside without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, 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 provider so functions with any make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when jogging, cycling or hiking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks everything with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech features are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.