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The most recent iteration of the flagship Fenix adventure watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or orbital connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new mobile tech, along with an optional advanced microLED screen in a special edition. This is Garmin's premier model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That 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 – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, activity and outdoor monitoring. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear great on the sizable, sharp and super-bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version found in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an additional day of smartwatch battery life despite the screen on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.

No-Phone Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

The company operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service plan instead of relying on a watch plan tied to your mobile provider, like other wearables. However in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not included for no cost.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE text and audio messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while out running, biking or comparable activities – along with emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans including different allowances of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the service.

After you have completed setup, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or comparable tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch 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 reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then message back and forth using typed or spoken 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 fine but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of customisable canned responses you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls work OK, although as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for extended conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a URL to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your live location on a map. It’s great for following race performance, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you trust to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real location has sometimes been delayed when moving in and out of good 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 satellite kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location updates and SOS SOS.

A guide shows you how to find the clear view to the satellite, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was unexpectedly easy to use and could be a vital safety feature, however it is essential to remember that satellite service is limited 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 offered via the customer service site. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch lacks 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 plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

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

The result is an increasingly impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin accomplishes this without requiring additional gear.

It is quite liberating to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so works with all brand of smartphone and network.

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

Pros: LTE and satellite communication, high-luminance OLED display, monitors everything with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing subscription, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are slow, basic wearable functionality compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.