A seemingly accidental reveal has set the tech world buzzing. A photograph, initially tucked away within promotional content for the Tactix 8 Series on Garmin’s Vietnamese web portal, strongly suggests an upcoming iteration of the Instinct 3 Tactical smartwatch boasting an AMOLED display.
Eagle-Eyed Fans Uncover the Display Difference
The image, swiftly picked up and disseminated by keen-eyed Reddit users, showcases a device that retains the robust aesthetic and military-inspired design language familiar from earlier Instinct 3 Tactical leaks. However, the key differentiator lies in its screen. Unlike a previously spotted model featuring a memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with solar charging capabilities, this new variant undeniably sports a vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED screen.
Influencer Sighting Adds Fuel to the Fire
Back in February, Garmin enthusiast Kristian Hansen shared snapshots from an Indonesian trek, seemingly showcasing a Tactical version of the Instinct 3 on his wrist. While the “Tactical” designation wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the post, a closer inspection of the watch face clearly displayed the tell-tale word. Intriguingly, this post was later taken down, adding to the air of anticipation.
Multiple Tactical Options Seem Increasingly Likely
The earlier sighting, featuring a MIP screen and what appeared to be solar charging—a hallmark of previous Instinct releases—contrasts sharply with this newly surfaced AMOLED model. The different display type and watch face strongly hint at Garmin’s strategy to offer multiple Tactical versions within the Instinct 3 lineup, catering to diverse user preferences.
High-Resolution Confirmation Solidifies “Tactical” Branding
While the word “Tactical” appeared somewhat blurred in the initial image found on Garmin’s site, further investigation yielded a clearer version. This higher-resolution image leaves no room for doubt, definitively confirming the watch’s place within the Tactical product line.
Tactical Feature Set Remains a Mystery for AMOLED Version
Questions linger regarding whether this AMOLED-equipped model will inherit the full suite of Garmin’s traditional Tactical features. These typically include functionalities like stealth mode, night vision compatibility, and a dedicated kill switch. While these features have been standard in past Tactical editions, no specifications or detailed descriptions have emerged in leaked materials thus far.
Imminent Release Seems Plausible
Garmin has yet to officially acknowledge any specifics concerning the Instinct 3 Tactical. Nevertheless, with a prototype already spotted on the wrist of a known influencer and another now visible on the company’s own digital storefront, the evidence strongly suggests an impending launch. A release within the next month or two, and certainly before the arrival of summer, appears to be a reasonable expectation.
