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The newest model of Garmin's flagship Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already outstanding Fenix 8 by adding new mobile technology, along with an available advanced microLED display in a limited edition. This is Garmin's top device and designed to be the single gadget needed to explore virtually any location and track every activity.

That makes it an very expensive proposition, 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 regular Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you lose your way absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

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

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency messaging is not included for free.

Rather, plans start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your friends or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, cycling or comparable pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via orbital are then charged on top, with more expensive subscriptions offering various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out outside minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall stay connected with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a random number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message back and forth using typed or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, only a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.

Messaging on the watch works adequately but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It has a set of customisable pre-set responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls perform OK, though as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended discussions as the audio clarity is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an activity, so they can track your real time position on a map. It’s great for following competition progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has typically worked effectively, though the real position has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays 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 surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is important to remember that orbital service is restricted 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 generally repairable with services offered via the support site. The battery is rated to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers recycling schemes on recent purchases.

Cost

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach service plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – along with orbital messaging, location update and SOS SOS for when you’re out of coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable adventure tool for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you remotely while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring anything else.

It is quite freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at a significant cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. At least it is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when jogging, cycling or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and offline voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: extremely expensive, LTE and satellite features require monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.