Did Garmin just release the best rugged smartwatch for 2025? We won’t know until we dive deep into our Garmin Tactix 8 review. Garmin as a brand has gained its popularity by identifying its target audience correctly and giving them exactly what they need—a durable, reliable fitness tracker that meets the military standards for durability and functions uninterrupted outdoors.
The new Garmin smartwatch for 2025 is no different, promising a long-lasting battery and reliable support for all forms of outdoor activity. The question remains, does the list of Garmin Tactix 8’s specs give users enough reason to switch from an older model to a brand-new one? The tactical features and support for rucking and diving activities provide a good reason to upgrade, but you’ll have to read through the Garmin Tactix 8 review to know if it is truly right for you.
Image: The Garmin Tactix 8 specs are extremely impressive.
Garmin Tactix 8 Review—A Tactical Smartwatch Like No Other
Garmin makes watches that are designed for rough use. From the description of the features you’d think it was built solely for those in the military—built to endure, mission-ready, applied ballistics—it’s all very aggressive and wild. Despite that, if you engage in considerable physical activity, whether for work or recreation, you can still benefit from the Garmin Tactix 8’s tactical features and assessments if you’re willing to pay the price.
Garmin Tactix 8 Design and Display
Let’s kick off our Garmin Tactix 8 review with a look at the smartwatch’s design and display. If you’ve ever watched a movie about people going on covert operations in their army greens, you have likely seen them wearing watches that look exactly like this one. The Garmin Tactix 8 doesn’t waste any time building up its aesthetic appeal or giving you fun color options to choose from.
It has a touch-enable 1.4-inch AMOLED display, a titanium bezel, and a sapphire lens for better screen protection. The Garmin Tactix 8 has a built-in multicolor flashlight for low-light conditions and in the NVG mode, the green flashlight takes priority with dimming capabilities. The multiple leakproof buttons enhance durability while also giving you more control over the smartwatch.
Garmin Tactix 8 Specs
Whether you choose to invest in the expensive watch will depend on a careful review of the Garmin Tactix 8 specs and features. The watch is available in two sizes, 47mm and 51mm, and for the larger model, you can also choose to skip the AMOLED version and pick from two solar alternatives.
| Specifications | Garmin Tactix 8 Review |
| Size | 47mm, 51mm |
| Weight | Approximately 73 g |
| Build | Titanium bezel, Sapphire crystal screen, Silicone strap |
| Display | 1.4” AMOLED or MIP |
| Display resolution | 454 x 454 pixels |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Durability |
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| Battery Life |
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| Sensors |
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| Wellness measures |
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From the Garmin Tactix 8 specs and sensors, it is apparent that the smartwatch has an excellent array of features that are supported entirely by an impressive battery. The military grade ratings ensure the Garmin Tactix 8’s durability and you also get an assessment of your health and performance to ensure you don’t miss out on changes to your system.
Garmin Tactix 8 Daily Use Features
As is apparent, the Garmin Tactix 8 has an extensive collection of sensors and monitors that do what an average smartwatch can in tracking your day-to-day activity, but it also provides some advanced support for those who often switch to a more adventurous lifestyle.
If you live and breathe sports, then the smartwatch is exceedingly efficient at tracking a variety of them, more so than the average smartwatch. Whether you’re in the gym, go on runs, spend the day on recreational activities like hiking or bouldering, indulge in some fun water and motorsports, play tennis on weekends, jump into the ring for a quick MMA session, or go scuba diving to discover what’s lurking in the depths, the Garmin Tactix 8 will help you track your activity.
Track your march with the new rucking activity on tactix 8. pic.twitter.com/OO2xQogH47
— Garmin (@Garmin) February 22, 2025
It also has safety features such as incident detection during specific activities, or live event sharing so you can keep someone in the loop while you go down a new trail. When you’re back in the modern world, you can also use the watch for smart notifications, calendar alerts, weather forecasts, and all the other regular activities you would on an Apple Watch or a Google Pixel watch. It also has Bluetooth phone calling and voice assistant support if that is something you prefer to use.
We mention all of this in our Garmin Tactix 8 review to say that you don’t have to worry about switching to a non-Garmin watch on your non-adventurous days. The device will survive your 9-to-5 with you.
Garmin Tactix 8 Tactical Features
The sensors are great and it can tell the time, but what else can the Garmin Tactix 8 watch do that makes it worth the $1299.99 price tag? It’s all about the tactical features and capabilities that carefully assess your performance, with the addition of a stealth mode for those covert operations that you can’t afford to be discovered on. We can’t tell where you might put the capability to use, but we do know that someone will find it useful.
- Night vision capability that allows you to dim it for use without giving your location away
- Stealth mode that disconnects the GPS data tracking and other wireless connectivity
- Projected waypoints to help with marking geo position that aids in navigation
- Rucking activity which allows you to track your activity with the addition of your pack weight
- SatIQ tech that allows for accurate location tracking without compromising on battery. Paired with the Next Fork map guide and the compatibility with Outdoor Maps+, you’re guaranteed to find your way to your destination
- An Applied Ballistics solver that provides assistance for your shooting practices and activities
- A kill switch to reset the watch and delete all stored activity
- Diving support with a 40-meter dive rating
- Aviation support features like Worldwide NAVAID and Intersection database(s) and Meteorological Aerodrome Reports
Introducing the ultimate tactical smartwatch — tactix 8.
▪️️AMOLED display or solar charging lens
▪️Tactical features include Applied Ballistics solver and rucking activity
▪️New 47 mm or 51 mm sizes
▪️Reach new depths with a 40-meter dive rating
▪️Built-in speaker and mic pic.twitter.com/n7Tm3HGQGJ
— Garmin (@Garmin) February 13, 2025
Garmin Tactix 8 Release Date and Availability
The Garmin Tactix 8 was released on February 13, 2025, and it became available to order on February 21, 2025. It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices so you don’t have to worry about exclusivity clauses that force you into a specific software ecosystem
Garmin Tactix 8 Price
The 47mm AMOLED version of the Garmin Tactix 8 smartwatch starts at $1,299.99, and the 51mm version as well as the solar version are priced at $1,399.99. These versions will provide you with the Ultralight Applied Ballistics Solver capabilities, but if you’re really committed to the ballistics stats and assessments, then you can consider purchasing the 51mm solar version that comes with the Applied Ballistics Elite Solver.
Image: The 51mm watch comes with the option of a Applied Ballistics Elite Solver while the 47mm watch offering the Applied Ballistics Ultralight Solver instead.
Who Is the Garmin Tactix 8 For?
As you can see from the Garmin Tactix 8 review, the smartwatch is packed with features that support daily use as well as extreme outdoor use. If you’re someone who spends the majority of your time indoors but would still prefer to track your health, fitness, and daily activity, there are more affordable alternatives to try.
The recently released OnePlus Watch 3 or the Galaxy Watch 6 provide great health assessment features that track your gym sessions, runs, daily steps, sleep quality, and other metrics that may be relevant to you. The Garmin Fenix watches are also a good alternative if you don’t need the tactical features, which is where the investment in the Garmin Tactix 8 becomes most worthwhile.
This beauty arrived today and I’m in love! Move over Fenix 8, make room for my Tactix.
byu/FullWillow7086 inGarmin
If you primarily spend your time exploring rugged environments, exploring new terrains, working security details that require the use of guns, or are an athlete, then the Garmin Tactix 8 could be a great buy for you. From the many activity modes to the Garmin Tactix 8’s tactical features, there are many benefits to owning one of these bad boys.
Final Thoughts to Conclude Our Garmin Tactix 8 Review
For the average user, the Garmin Tactix 8’s price and capabilities may both be excessive and unnecessary, however, the watch is designed for a more niche audience. The Garmin Tactix 8’s durability and other specs make it a highly reliable investment for the outdoorsy folk who need a long-lasting gadget that can act as a real support tool for their journey in the wild.
The Garmin Tactix 8 is easily the best rugged smartwatch in 2025, but its full range of capabilities will only be worthwhile to very niche groups of consumers.
Are you considering purchasing a Garmin Tactix 8? Give us your own review of the specs and features. Want to know more about the latest and greatest tech making a debut? Subscribe to Technowize.