Garmin has announced the Tactix 8, their most advanced tactical smartwatch yet. Designed to meet the demands of covert missions while providing comprehensive functionality, this new model builds upon the success of the Tactix series. Unlike the Fenix line’s flashy features, the Tactix series emphasises military-grade durability and practical applications, catering to professionals who require versatility in their gear. With nearly three years since the release of the Tactix 7, this upgrade brings significant improvements across the board.
Sizes
Both the solar and AMOLED editions of the Garmin Tactix 8 are being released simultaneously, eliminating the need to wait for staggered launches. The AMOLED version is available in two sizes—47mm and 51mm—while the solar model comes exclusively in a 51mm size, with an additional option for the Elite AB (Applied Ballistics) edition.
Garmin Tactix 8 AMOLED (47/51mm) – Sapphire with Applied Ballistics Ultralight
For this release, Garmin has introduced an Applied Ballistics solver across all models. The AMOLED and standard solar editions feature the Applied Ballistics Ultralight Solver, while the solar Elite edition includes the more advanced Applied Ballistics Elite Solver for enhanced long-range shooting calculations. Previously, users had to purchase a dedicated ballistics edition to access these features, but now they are integrated across the lineup, offering greater flexibility and functionality.
Garmin Tactix 8 Solar (51mm) – Sapphire with Applied Ballistics Ultralight/Elite
Garmin Tactix 8 Comparison
| Specification | tactix 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED | tactix 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED | tactix 8 – 51 mm, Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Dimensions (WxHxD) | 47 x 47 x 13.8 mm | 51 x 51 x 14.7 mm | 51 x 51 x 15.4 mm |
| Lens Material | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal | Power Sapphire™ lens |
| Bezel Material | Titanium | Titanium | Titanium |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover | Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover |
| Display | 1.4″ (35.56 mm) diameter, 454 x 454 pixels, Color, AMOLED | 1.4″ (35.56 mm) diameter, 454 x 454 pixels, Color, AMOLED | 1.4″ (35.56 mm) diameter, 280 x 280 pixels, Color, Transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| Watch Band | Silicone adjustment band: 121 mm, Silicone buckle band: 94.9 mm, Total length: 215.9 mm | Silicone adjustment band: 121 mm, Silicone buckle band: 94.9 mm, Total length: 215.9 mm | Silicone adjustment band: 123.9 mm, Silicone buckle band: 95.8 mm, Total length: 219.7 mm |
| Wrist Circumference | Silicone band: 125–208 mm | Silicone band: 127–210 mm | Silicone band: 127–210 mm |
| Weight | 73 g (case only: 52 g) | 92 g (case only: 64 g) | 95 g (case only: 67 g) |
| Battery Life |
Smartwatch: up to 16 days (7 days always-on) Battery saver: up to 23 days GPS only: up to 47 hours (37 hours always-on) All satellite systems: up to 38 hours (30 hours always-on) All satellite + multi-band: up to 35 hrs (28 hours always-on) All satellite + music: up to 10 hours Max battery GPS: up to 81 hours Expedition GPS: up to 17 days |
Smartwatch: up to 29 days (13 days always-on) Battery saver: up to 48 days GPS only: up to 84 hours (65 hours always-on) All satellite systems: up to 68 hours All satellite + multi-band: up to 62 hours (49 hours always-on) All satellite + music: up to 18 hours |
Smartwatch: up to 30 days / 48 days with solar Battery saver: up to 48 days / 107 days with solar GPS only: up to 95 hours / 149 hours with solar All satellite systems: up to 68 hours / 92 hours with solar All satellite + multi-band: up to 52 hours / 65 hours with solar All satellite + music: up to 18 hours Max battery GPS: up to 186 hours / 653 hours with solar Expedition GPS: up to 50 days / 118 days with solar |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable internal lithium-ion | Rechargeable internal lithium-ion | Rechargeable internal lithium-ion |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM (Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters) Dive 40 meters (EN13319 compliance) |
10 ATM (Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters) Dive 40 meters (EN13319 compliance) |
10 ATM (Withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 100 meters) Dive 40 meters (EN13319 compliance) |
| Memory | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Wireless Technologies | BLUETOOTH®, ANT+®, and Wi-Fi® | BLUETOOTH®, ANT+®, and Wi-Fi® | BLUETOOTH®, ANT+®, and Wi-Fi® |
Professional Features
Diving and Rucking Profiles
The Tactix 8 features new leakproof metal buttons and boasts a 40-meter dive rating, enabling users to explore deeper with dedicated support for scuba and apnea diving activities.
Additionally, a brand-new, unit-exclusive activity profile, Rucking, allows users to input their pack weight, providing more accurate exertion tracking during rucking activities. This enhancement ensures that users can monitor their performance more effectively while carrying varying loads.
Tactical Modes
The Tactix 8 retains and enhances the proven tactical features of its predecessors:
- Stealth Mode: Disables GPS tracking and wireless communications for operational security without compromising watch functionality.
- Night Vision Compatibility: Ensures readability through night vision goggles.
- Kill Switch: Rapidly erases all stored data for enhanced security.
- Advanced Flashlight: Dual-color LED flashlight with white and green options, designed for night vision compatibility and tactical operations, offering illumination while maintaining discretion in low-light environments
Improved Ballistics Software
The ballistics capabilities have been upgraded to include:
- Dedicated Shot Timer: Tracks your course location along with biometric data such as heart rate and stress.
- Stage Timer: Provides alerts through paired hearing protection or the watch speaker, indicating remaining time in your current course of fire or stage.
Smart Features & ECG
Built-In Speaker
The Tactix 8 introduces a variety of new smart features, including a built-in speaker and microphone, enabling users to make and receive calls when paired with a smartphone. Voice commands can also be utilized to control watch functions without needing a phone connection.
ECG Capability
Garmin’s Tactix 8 watch has expanded its health monitoring capabilities by incorporating ECG (electrocardiogram) functionality, aligning with other advanced Garmin models like the Venu 3 and Fenix 8 available in Australia. This addition underscores Garmin’s commitment to providing comprehensive health and wellness features in its latest devices.
The ECG app on the Tactix 8 allows users to record their heart’s electrical activity, which can be useful for detecting certain heart rhythm irregularities, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). This feature became available in Australia and the EU for select Garmin watches in early 2025, following earlier availability in the US and some Asian countries.
Health and Wellness Features
In addition to ECG, the Tactix 8 offers a wide array of health and wellness monitoring features:
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Advanced sleep tracking with Sleep Coach
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability) status
- Stress tracking
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Respiration tracking
- Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation
- Hydration tracking
Full Tactix Range Comparison
| Feature | Tactix 7 – AMOLED | Tactix 8 – AMOLED | Tactix 7 – Pro/Pro Ballistics Editions | Tactix 8 – Solar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 51 mm | 47 mm, 51 mm | 51 mm | 51 mm |
| Display Size | 1.4” | 1.3” (47 mm), 1.4” (51 mm) | 1.4” | 1.4” |
| Display Type | AMOLED | AMOLED | Transflective MIP | Transflective MIP |
| Display Resolution | 454 × 454 pixels | 454 × 454 pixels | 280 × 280 pixels | 280 × 280 pixels |
| Lens Material | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal | Power Sapphire™ lens | Power Sapphire lens |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | Up to 31 days (11 days always-on) | Up to 16 days (6 days always-on) (47 mm), Up to 21 days (13 days always-on) (51 mm) | Up to 28 days/37 days | Up to 30 days/44 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Only) | Up to 82 hours (68 hours always-on) | Up to 42 hours (37 hours always-on) (47 mm), Up to 60 hours (51 hours always-on) (51 mm) | Up to 89 hours/122 hours | Up to 89 hours/144 hours |
| Applied Ballistics® Solver | Ultralight solver (*Unlock fee required*) | Ultralight solver | Pro: Ultralight solver, Pro Ballistics: Elite solver | 010-03407-42: Ultralight solver, 010-03407-12: Elite solver |
| Solar Charging Capabilities | – | – | – | Improved |
| Recreational & Apnea Dives | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Leakproof Buttons | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Speaker & Microphone | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Voice Assistant & Voice Command | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Updated User Interface | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Dedicated Shot Timer | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Dedicated Stage Timer | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Rucking Activity | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
Final Thoughts
The Tactix 8 represents a significant evolution in Garmin’s tactical watch lineup, bringing advanced features previously reserved for specialized models to the entire range. With improved durability, enhanced tactical capabilities, and comprehensive health monitoring, it sets a new standard for professional-grade smartwatches. Whether for military operations, professional diving, or advanced training scenarios, the Tactix 8 delivers the versatility and reliability that tactical operators demand.
