The Garmin Instinct 3 series, launched in January 2025, introduces several enhancements over the Instinct 2 series:
Display: The Instinct 3 offers an AMOLED display option with a 1.2-inch screen and a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels or in the 50mm version a 1.3-inch screen with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, providing vibrant and bright visuals. In contrast, the Instinct 2 features a monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with a 176 x 176 resolution.
Battery Life: The 50mm Instinct 3 Solar model boasts a longer battery life compared to the Instinct 2 Solar, thanks to a more efficient solar lens. Garmin claims it offers "more than five times the battery life in GPS mode" compared to its predecessor. Both series claim "unlimited" battery life in smartwatch mode with sufficient solar exposure, though this is challenging to verify in real-world conditions.
Flashlight: The Instinct 3 includes a built-in flashlight with variable intensities, a red light option, and strobe mode, enhancing safety during nighttime activities. This feature is absent in the Instinct 2 series.
Design and Durability: The Instinct 3 features a metal-reinforced bezel, adding to its ruggedness. Both series are built to MIL-STD 810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and are water-rated up to 100 meters.
GPS Technology: The Instinct 3 incorporates Garmin's SatIQ technology, which optimises battery life by intelligently managing GPS settings without compromising accuracy. This feature is not available in the Instinct 2 series.
Outdoor-Specific Features: Built-in altimeter, barometer, and compass for explorers. While at this price point the Garmin Instinct 3 does not offer built-in mapping, it does provide navigation features, such as Point-to-Point Navigation, Bread Crumb Trail in Real Time, Back to Start, and TracBack.
In summary, the Instinct 3 series introduces significant upgrades, including an AMOLED display, enhanced battery life, a built-in flashlight, and advanced GPS technology, making it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rugged and feature-rich smartwatch.
- Garmin Instinct E – 40 mm - Black
- Garmin Instinct E – 45 mm - Black
- Garmin Instinct 3 – 45 mm - Solar - Black
- Garmin Instinct 3 – 45 mm - AMOLED - Black
- Garmin Instinct 3 – 50 mm - Solar - Black
- Garmin Instinct 3 – 50 mm - AMOLED - Black