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The latest model of the flagship Fenix outdoor watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: phone-free communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a special edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single gadget required to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

This makes it an extremely expensive option, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a significant functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the world can automatically guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a big watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service plan rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your mobile provider, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, SOS communication is not provided for no cost.

Rather, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in running, biking or comparable activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages over satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including different allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally using text or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin account to use the Messenger application, just a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Spoken messages and calls work OK, although as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is less than ideal.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to on its own send a URL to chosen contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned effectively, though the real location has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are available on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the clear view to the orbital system, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered via the support portal. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any reused materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on new purchases.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while running out at night or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone provider so functions with any make of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a killer device for someone who dislikes being weighed down by their phone when jogging, biking or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the superb Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, super-bright OLED display, monitors all activities with best-in-class GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech features are slow, basic wearable features compared with competing watches.