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The most recent version of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a potentially lifesaving feature: phone-free communication and SOS alerts via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a special edition. This is the brand's premier model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually any location and monitor every activity.

That positions it as an extremely pricey proposition, priced from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a substantial £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED display – nearly double the price of the regular Fenix 8.

Users receive a lot of functionality for your investment, with industry-leading workout, movement and adventure tracking. The complete offline maps of the globe can automatically direct you back to the path if you lose your way without a phone, and look excellent on the large, crisp and super-bright touchscreen.

This Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other devices, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an additional day of smartwatch battery life even with the screen always active, enduring a solid eight to nine days between charges.

Phone-Free Texting, Calling and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital service service rather than relying on a watch plan linked to your phone carrier, like other smartwatches. But unlike Apple or Google's satellite-enabled devices, SOS messaging is not provided for free.

Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or equivalent a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messages, calls and LiveTrack position tracking – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out running, cycling or similar pursuits – plus emergency orbital SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts via satellite are then charged on top, with higher-tier plans offering various quotas of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited 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 the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or similar tasks, but you are able to place and receive calls, send texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

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

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a collection of personalizable pre-set responses you can use to expedite communication. Voice recordings and calls perform acceptably, although as with the majority of smartwatches, you’re not going to want to use it for lengthy conversations as the audio clarity is not fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest feature. You can set it up to automatically transmit a link to chosen contacts every time you start an exercise, so they can follow your real time position on a map. It’s great for following race performance, 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 effectively, though the actual location has occasionally lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you bring your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the orbital activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.

A on-screen assistance displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a vital lifeline, however it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and most of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees north.

Environmental Impact

The watch is generally serviceable with options offered through the customer service portal. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin provides disposal 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 additional Garmin inReach subscription plans begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Conclusion

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a fantastic adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising out at night or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without requiring anything else.

This is very freeing to be outside without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring subscription of the inReach service to enable the service. Fortunately it isn’t dependent on your phone carrier so functions with any brand of smartphone and carrier.

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

Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, super-bright OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated torch, phone and offline commands, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, physical controls and touchscreen.

Cons: very costly, LTE and orbital features need monthly payment, limited Garmin Pay financial compatibility, voice capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch features versus competing watches.