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The latest version of the premium Fenix adventure timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free messaging and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or orbital links.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge mobile tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED display in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the single gadget needed to venture almost any location and monitor every activity.

That makes it an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED model and climbing to a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

You do receive a lot of features for your money, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure tracking. The complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you get lost absent a phone, and look great on the large, sharp and super-bright display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the more compact 43mm version available in other models, so it is a big watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED version as tested 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 Real-Time Location

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack location sharing – so your friends or loved ones can monitor you while engaged in running, biking or comparable pursuits – plus SOS satellite SOS alerts.

Check-ins and messages over orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier plans including various quotas of satellite usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can test out the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you just head out the door without your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you are able to make and take calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your family and companions.

When you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then message reciprocally via text or spoken communications, and initiate voice calls. Your recipient does not need a Garmin profile to use the Messenger application, only a phone number is sufficient to register for texts.

Messaging on the watch functions fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is time-consuming. It includes a collection of personalizable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for extended conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the real position has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE signal.

These capabilities are accessible on other Garmin watches if you carry your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location updates and emergency SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then transmits and gets messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, though it is important to remember that satellite service is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with options available via the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling 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 subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent adventure watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for texting, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and emergency SOS for when you’re without signal.

Outcome is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that want to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone keep an eye on you remotely while exercising 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 carries a significant cost, 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 is not dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier gadget for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a significant money when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and orbital communication, high-luminance OLED screen, monitors everything with best-in-class GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touch.

Cons: extremely expensive, LTE and orbital features need monthly subscription, restricted Garmin Pay financial support, speech capabilities are slow, limited wearable functionality compared with competing watches.