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The latest model of the premium Fenix outdoor watch introduces a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and emergency messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding new cellular technology, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's premier model and designed to be the only tool needed to explore almost any location and track all your movements.

This makes it an extremely pricey proposition, 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 edition with microLED display – nearly twice the cost of the regular Fenix 8.

You do get a significant functionality for your investment, with industry-leading fitness, activity and adventure monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can automatically direct you return to the path if you get lost without 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 dimensions, omitting the more compact 43mm version found in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED version as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin uses its proprietary inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, like other wearables. But in contrast to Apple or Google's satellite-capable products, emergency messaging is not provided for free.

Instead, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack location tracking – so your contacts or loved ones can keep an eye on you while engaged in jogging, biking or similar pursuits – plus SOS orbital SOS alerts.

Location updates and messages via satellite are then billed on top, with more expensive subscriptions including various quotas of satellite usage, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.

Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You can not use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally keep in touch with your family and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin sends them an SMS from a random phone number, which they can reply to directly to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate reciprocally using typed or spoken communications, and make voice calls. Your contact 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 has a set of customisable canned replies you can send to speed things up. Spoken recordings and calls perform acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you start an activity, so they can track your live location on a map. It’s great for following race progress, but it mostly acts as a tool for someone you rely on to be aware of your location in case something happens. It has generally functioned effectively, although the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

These features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then transmits and gets communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to note that satellite coverage is limited to the US mainland, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Sustainability

The watch is generally repairable with services offered via the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its original power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled materials. Garmin offers disposal schemes on recent purchases.

Price

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

Conclusion

The Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and adds LTE for messaging, calls and LiveTrack – along with satellite communication, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re out of signal.

The result is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be unplugged. If you wish to have someone monitor you remotely while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing additional gear.

It is very liberating to be outside without a phone, but that functionality comes at quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so works with all make of smartphone and carrier.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For everyone else, it is a significant expense when the superb Fenix 8 already exists.

Advantages: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks everything with best-in-class GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, complete offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre waterproofing and 40-metre underwater use, physical controls and touch.

Drawbacks: extremely costly, LTE and orbital functions need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice features are sluggish, basic wearable functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.