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The newest iteration of Garmin's premium Fenix outdoor timepiece introduces a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and SOS messaging via 4G LTE or satellite connections.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously outstanding Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, plus an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's top model and designed to be the single tool needed to explore virtually any location and track all your movements.

This makes it an very pricey option, starting at £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 display – almost double the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

You do get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and adventure monitoring. The complete offline mapping of the world can seamlessly guide you return to the path if you get lost without a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

The Fenix 8 Pro is only available in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, not the smaller 43mm version available in other models, so it is a large watch for larger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as tested does have an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Live Tracking

Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription plan rather than depending on a watch plan tied to your phone carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike Apple or Google's satellite-capable devices, emergency communication is not included for no cost.

Rather, plans begin from £7.99 or similar a month, which includes unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or family can keep an eye on you while out jogging, biking or similar activities – plus SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and messages via orbital are then billed additionally, with higher-tier subscriptions including different quotas of orbital use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited plan. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can test out the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will connect to LTE. You cannot use it for playing music or comparable tasks, but you can place and receive calls, dispatch texts and overall keep in touch with your relatives and friends.

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

Texting on the watch functions adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It has a set of personalizable canned replies you can send to expedite communication. Voice messages and calls perform OK, though as with most wearables, you’re unlikely going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions 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 whenever you begin an exercise, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for following race progress, but it primarily serves as a utility for someone you rely on to know your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally worked effectively, although the actual position has sometimes been delayed when transitioning in and out of strong LTE coverage.

All of these capabilities are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE does not reach, the satellite activates 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 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, however it is important to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and most of Europe excluding parts of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is generally serviceable with options available through the support portal. The battery is certified to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.

Cost

This Fenix 8 Pro costs from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription packages begin from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent outdoor watch in the standard Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re without signal.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want 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 outside without a phone, but that capability comes at a significant price, both in terms of the substantial cost of the watch and the recurring fee of the inReach service to enable the service. At least it is not reliant on your phone provider so functions with all make of smartphone and network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is a killer gadget for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, cycling or hiking, but nevertheless desires to be trackable and reachable. For other users, it is a lot of money when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.

Advantages: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, monitors all activities with premier GPS, built-in torch, phone and standalone commands, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Drawbacks: very costly, LTE and satellite features require ongoing payment, restricted Garmin Pay financial compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited smartwatch functionality versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.