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The most recent model of the flagship Fenix adventure timepiece introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: no-phone communication and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular technology, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED display – almost twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of features for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the large, crisp and high-luminance touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, not the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as reviewed does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the display always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to competing satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, cycling or comparable activities – along with SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then billed on top, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month all-inclusive plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

After you have got it set up, you just venture outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you can make and take calls, send texts and generally keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message reciprocally via typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your recipient is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to sign up for texts.

Texting on the watch works fine but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set replies you can send to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a URL to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the actual position has occasionally been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these capabilities are accessible 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, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to locate the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly straightforward to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to remember that orbital service is restricted to the US continent, most of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through 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 does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin provides disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

The 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).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro takes a fantastic 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 coverage.

Outcome is an increasingly remarkable adventure tool for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without needing anything else.

This is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the colossal cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

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

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions need monthly subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.