Garmin Tactix 7 AMOLED Edition: Tactical meets trendy
In a move that’s less James Bond and more Tony Stark, Garmin has stealthily rolled out its Tactix 7 AMOLED Edition. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill smartwatch update; it’s a tactical tool that’s decided to dress up for the gala. With a vibrant AMOLED display and few other upgrades, this new edition is turning heads and, quite possibly, saving the day.
The AMOLED advantage
The most eye-catching feature—literally—is the AMOLED display. Unlike the Standard Edition’s transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) screen, the AMOLED version offers a more colorful and higher-resolution readout. It’s not just about looking good; this display is designed to be easily visible in sunlight and can dim down to a single nit for those stealthy night ops.
And if you are worried about burn in with an always on display? Garmin uses pixel-shifting tech and it avoids staying on the same lit pixels. This helps to avoid any burn in.
Garmin is clearly on a mission to shift all their watch ranges to AMOLED. Not everyone is a fan of this, and those who prefer MIP screens will be disappointed if the tech is ultimately dropped.
A matter of weight
The AMOLED Edition weighs 96 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Standard Edition’s 89 grams. It is also a bit thicker. In the realm of tactical smartwatches, these differences are a straightforward specification to consider. The variance is minimal but could be a deciding factor for those who prioritize a lighter and thinner device for extended wear or specific activities.
Power considerations
When it comes to battery life, both the AMOLED and Standard Editions conjure up to 89 hours in GPS mode. However, the AMOLED Edition provides up to 31 days in smartwatch mode with 11 days in always-on mode, while the Standard Edition offers up to 28 days in smartwatch mode. The battery performance is quite comparable, but the AMOLED Edition edges out slightly in smartwatch mode.
Red Shift Mode: A visionary feature
The AMOLED Edition introduces a unique Red Shift mode, which alters the entire interface to shades of red. This innovative feature minimizes the constriction of pupils caused by other colors of light, allowing for better night vision. A quick glance at the watch in this mode won’t compromise your ability to see in low-light conditions, making it a valuable addition for nocturnal activities or operations. Feel free to combine this with the built-in white and green flashlight which illuminate the dark.
Feature frenzy
As far as functionality differences between the MIP and AMOLED editions, there is little to write about. Both editions are brimming with features.
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Here’s a tech specs comparison on the differences between the Tactic 7 AMOLED and Standard editions. You can check out both watches on Garmin’s website. At $1,399.99, the AMOLED version will cost you an extra $200.
Feature | Tactix 7 AMOLED Edition | Tactix 7 Standard Edition |
---|---|---|
Lens material | Sapphire | Sapphire |
Strap material | Nylon and Silicone | Silicone |
Physical size | 51 x 51 x 16.4 mm | 51 x 51 x 14.9 mm |
Weight | 96 g | 89 g |
Display size & type | 1.4 inch AMOLED | 1.4 inch Transflective MIP |
Display resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels |
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 31 days (11 days always-on) | Up to 28 days |
Battery Life (GPS Mode) | Up to 89 hours (58 hours always-on) | Up to 89 hours |
Gaming features | No | Yes |
Ballistics Solver | Yes (unlock required) | No |
Wind Meter Compatible | Yes | No |
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