Garmin Tactix 7 vs Delta: find your way around unfamiliar territory
Garmin has made official earlier this afternoon its next premium tactical sports watch called Tactix 7. It comes just over two years after the last device in that range.
A few unverified pics of Garmin Tactix 7 (unofficially also referred to as Echo) had been posted on Facebook a couple of weeks ago. They had apparently leaked in the Garmin Explore app. There was also a retailer that jumped the gun and posted a few images of the Tactix 7. So we knew it was coming – the only question was when.
The timepiece is the latest in the Tactix range and it updates the Delta. This is a rugged timepiece that combines specialised tactical functionality with mapping-enhanced navigation and advanced fitness training features. It closely parallels the Fenix range.
Tactix Delta was released in January 2020. It followed the August 2019 unveiling of Fenix 6. Delta is essentally the 6x pro with a few tactical features such as Stealth Mode, Night Vision Mode and Kill Switch (along some hardware changes). Also Delta also has a Solar/Sapphire edition – which wasn’t introduced until this year’s Fenix.
In 2022 we are getting a similar sequence of events. We saw the unveiling of Garmin Fenix 7 at the start of the year. Now the Tactix 7 has dropped.
Garmin Tactix 7 Pro vs Tactix Delta Solar Edition
Tactix 7 comes in three editions. This includes the Standard Edition, Pro Edition and Ballistics Edition. The first retails for a hefty $1,100 on Garmin’s website, the second for $1,300 and the third for $1,600. Yikes!
The Pro edition of the watch, which is equivalent to the Tactix Delta Solar is priced $200 more than its predecessor. The updates are useful and can be considered iterative rather than something that will prompt every Delta owner to sell their old device and buy the new one.
Here are the main differences.
Tactix 7 Pro | Tactix Delta Solar | |
|---|---|---|
Bezel material | titanium | Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated steel |
Case material | fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover | fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover and knurled buttons |
Touchscreen | Yes | No |
LED flashlight | yes (white/green) | No |
Weight | 89 g (case only: 61 g) | Steel: 97 g (case only: 69 g) |
Battery life | Smartwatch: Up to 28 days/37 days with solar Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 90 days/1+ year with solar GPS Only: Up to 89 hours/122 hours with solar All Satellte Systems: Up to 63 hours/77 hours with solar All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 16 hours Max Battery GPS: Up to 213 hours/578 hours with solar Expedition GPS: Up to 62 days/139 days with solar | Smartwatch: Up to 21 days/24 days with solar Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 80 days/120 days with solar GPS: Up to 60 hours/66 hours with solar GPS + Music: Up to 15 hours/16 hours with solar Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 120 hours/148 hours with solar Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 46 days/56 days with solar |
Health snapshot | Yes | No |
Multi-frequency Positioning | Yes | No |
On-device Connect IQ™ Store | Yes | No |
Pairs with Garmin Golf app | Yes | No |
Aviation features | Yes | No |
HIIT workouts | Yes | No |
Additional cycling features | Rest timer, VO2 Max (Trail Run), Realtime stamina | |
Up Ahead | Yes | No |
So the dimensions of the device (51 x 51 x 14.9 mm) and the size of the display (1.4” (35.56 mm) diameter) and its quality are exactly the same. But you do get touchscreen functionality this time around. The screws have also been removed from the face and moved to the lugs. Which is an improvement. The build is slightly better with a titanium bezel and back cover which has allowed the weight to come down a bit.
Essential reading: Best fitness trackers and health gadgets
As far as functionality, you get the LED flashlight of the Fenix 7, in addition to Health Snapshot, Multi-frequency Positioning, on-device Connect IQ Store, a long list of aviation features, HIIT workouts, slightly improved battery life and a few other bits and pieces.
If you are wondering which of the three Tactix 7 versions is for you, the differences are mostly to do with build quality and hardware. The software and abilities are pretty much the same. The Standard Edition comes without a Solar lens which can be found on the other two. It is also missing the nylon strap option. The top-end is the Ballistics Edition which now integrates with the AB ecosystem, including the AB Synapse app and sensor integration.
You can check out the new range on Amazon. It is also available on Garmin’s website.
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FYI, HIIT workouts and connection to Garmin Golf are now available on the Delta.