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Garmin Fenix 7 vs Tactix 7: Comparison & Differences

We dissect the differences between Garmin's elite multisport watches: the tactical powerhouse Tactix 7 and the versatile flagship Fenix 7.

Garmin Tactix 7 and Fenix 7

The Garmin Tactix 7 and Fenix 7 are two of Garmin's elite smartwatches, known for their robust features and durability. Both are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, but they cater to slightly different needs.

What Are The Differences?

While both watches share many features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a range of fitness tracking capabilities, there are notable differences. The Tactix 7, for example, has a more tactical design with night vision goggle compatibility and stealth mode, making it ideal for military use. The Fenix 7, on the other hand, offers more lifestyle and health-related features, making it more suitable for general fitness enthusiasts and adventurers.

Highlights

  • Design: Tactix 7 has a tactical look with night vision compatibility, whereas Fenix 7 leans towards a traditional sports watch style.

  • Display: Both feature high-resolution displays, but Tactix 7 offers a unique lens design for enhanced night vision goggle readability.

  • Battery Life: The Tactix has almost double the battery life vs the Fenix when comparing Standard editions

  • Features: Tactix 7 includes tactical-specific features like stealth mode, a Jumpmaster mode and dual-position GPS formatting. Fenix 7 focuses more on broad fitness and health tracking, though it does excel there with every wellness monitor you would need, navigation sensors and a 10 ATM depth rating. 

Which Is Better?

Determining which is better of course depends on the user's specific needs. The Tactix 7 excels in tactical and military scenarios, while the Fenix 7 is designed as the ultimate everyday fitness tracker and outdoor adventure watch.

Who They're For

The Tactix 7 is tailored for military personnel, law enforcement, and those who need tactical features. The Fenix 7 is more versatile, catering to a broader audience including hikers, runners, and those seeking a high-end fitness smartwatch. Note though that the Tactix can still justify its extra price tag because it maintains all the features of a fitness and activity watch, but it adds the tactical features on top of it.

Comparison Chart: Garmin Tactix 7 Vs Fenix 7

 Garmin Tactix 7Garmin Fenix 7
BATTERY LIFE (SMARTWATCH MODE)Up to 28 daysUp to 18 days
DISPLAY TYPESunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
LED FLASHLIGHTyes (white/green)no
TOUCHSCREENyes  yes  
WATER RATING10 ATM10 ATM
SLEEP SCORE AND INSIGHTSyes  yes  
TRAINING READINESSyes  yes  
TRAINING STATUSyes  yes  
DAILY SUGGESTED WORKOUTSyes  yes  
MULTI-BAND GPSyes  yes  
BUILT-IN MAPPINGyes  yes  
GARMIN PAY™yes  yes  
MUSIC STORAGEyes  yes  
LENS MATERIALSapphireCorning® Gorilla® Glass
BEZEL MATERIALtitaniumstainless steel
CASE MATERIALfiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear coverfiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover
QUICKFIT™ WATCH BAND COMPATIBLEincluded (26 mm)included (22 mm)
STRAP MATERIALsiliconesilicone
PHYSICAL SIZE51 x 51 x 14.9 mm
Fits wrists with the following circumference:
Silicone band: 127-210 mm
Leather band: 135-213 mm
Fabric band: 135-213 mm
Metal band: 135-225 mm
47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Fits wrists with the following circumference:
Silicone band: 125-208 mm
Leather Band: 132-210 mm
Fabric Band: 132-210 mm
Metal Band: 132-215 mm
WEIGHT89 g (case only: 61 g)79 g (case only: 56 g)
DISPLAY SIZE1.4” (35.56 mm) diameter1.3” (33.02 mm) diameter
DISPLAY RESOLUTION280 x 280 pixels260 x 260 pixels
COLOR DISPLAYYesYes
LARGE FONT OPTIONYesYes
BATTERY LIFESmartwatch: Up to 28 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 90 days
GPS Only: Up to 89 hours
All Satellte Systems: Up to 63 hours
All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 16 hours
Max Battery GPS: Up to 213 hours
Expedition GPS: Up to 62 days
Smartwatch: Up to 18 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 57 days
GPS Only: Up to 57 hours
All Satellite Systems: Up to 40 hours
All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 10 hours
Max Battery GPS: Up to 136 hours
Expedition GPS: Up to 40 days
CHARGING METHODGarmin proprietary plug chargerGarmin proprietary plug charger
MEMORY/HISTORY32 GB16 GB
GPSYesYes
GLONASSYesYes
GALILEOYesYes
SATIQ™ TECHNOLOGYYesYes
GARMIN ELEVATE™ WRIST HEART RATE MONITORYesYes
PULSE OX BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATION MONITORYesYes
BAROMETRIC ALTIMETERYesYes
COMPASSYesYes
GYROSCOPEYesYes
ACCELEROMETERYesYes
THERMOMETERYesYes
WRIST-BASED HEART RATE (CONSTANT, EVERY SECOND)YesYes
DAILY RESTING HEART RATEYesYes
ABNORMAL HEART RATE ALERTSyes (high and low)yes (high and low)
RESPIRATION RATE (24X7)YesYes
PULSE OX BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATIONYesYes
FITNESS AGEyes (in app)yes (in app)
BODY BATTERY™ ENERGY MONITORYesYes
ALL-DAY STRESSYesYes
RELAXATION BREATHING TIMERYesYes
BREATHWORKYesYes
SLEEPyes (advanced)yes (advanced)
NAP DETECTIONYesYes
HYDRATIONyes (in Garmin Connect™ and optional Connect IQ™ widget)

yes (in Garmin Connect™ and optional Connect IQ™ widget)

WOMEN'S HEALTHyes (in Garmin Connect™ and optional Connect IQ™ widget)

yes (in Garmin Connect™ and optional Connect IQ™ widget)

HEALTH SNAPSHOTYesYes
SKIN TEMPERATUREYesYes
JET LAG ADVISERYesYes

 

 

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