Garmin has unveiled the Instinct 3 series, a modest step forward in a lineup that has long defined rugged, adventure-ready smartwatches. Over the years, the Instinct series has earned its reputation among outdoor enthusiasts and athletes for durability, reliability, and, above all, exceptional battery life. Let’s see if the Instinct 3 continues to build on that legacy.
What's New?
The Instinct 3 series introduces some significant changes. Here’s a breakdown of the key upgrades:
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AMOLED Display Option: For the first time in the Instinct series, Garmin offers an AMOLED display alongside the traditional MIP (memory-in-pixel) display. This modern upgrade provides vibrant colors and sharper visuals. The AMOLED versions come in 1.2” (45mm) and 1.3” (50mm) sizes.
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Enhanced Solar Charging: Solar charging has improved significantly, with a claimed 5x increase in solar power compared to the Instinct 2 Solar. This upgrade translates to potentially longer battery life for outdoor activities.
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Flashlight Across All Sizes: The integrated LED flashlight, previously exclusive to the Instinct 2X, is now available on both 45mm and 50mm models. It includes four white brightness levels and a red light option, making it ideal for low-light conditions.
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Durability Upgrade: A metal reinforcement ring has been added to the bezel, increasing the watch’s resistance to impacts and shocks.
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Improved GNSS/GPS: All Instinct 3 models now feature multiband/dual-frequency GNSS/GPS, improving accuracy in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests.
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Garmin SatIQ: This new feature dynamically adjusts GPS settings to optimize battery life without sacrificing accuracy.
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Expanded Software Features: The Instinct 3 includes:
- Hill Score
- Endurance Score
- Training Load Focus and Ratio
- Multisport/Triathlon Auto Transition
- Nap Detection
- Sleep Coach
- Garmin Share and Garmin Messenger compatibility
- Garmin Pay (standard)
- Large font mode
- Muscle Map and Strength Workout Animations (AMOLED only)
- HRV Status
- VO2 Max
The Instinct 3 Lineup: A Closer Look
The Instinct 3 series offers several models catering to different user needs and budgets:
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Instinct 3 AMOLED: The showstopper with its vibrant AMOLED display. It comes in 45mm and 50mm sizes, offering up to 24 days of battery life in smartwatch mode (non-always-on display) and 9 days with the always-on display. However, the AMOLED models do not support solar charging.
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Instinct 3 Solar: Retaining the rugged MIP display, the solar models prioritize battery life and durability. With sufficient sunlight exposure, they can potentially achieve unlimited battery life. Available in 45mm (0.9”) and 50mm (1.1”) sizes.
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Instinct E: The budget-friendly option, available in 40mm and 45mm sizes. It lacks solar charging, the flashlight, multi-band GPS, and Garmin Pay. Battery life ranges from 14 days (40mm) to 16 days (45mm).
The Not-So-Good News: What's Missing?
While the Instinct 3 series has many impressive features, it’s not without its flaws:
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No Garmin Elevate V5 HR Sensor: Garmin stuck with the older Gen 4 sensor, meaning no EKG or skin temperature tracking—features available on many competitors.
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No Maps: Despite its outdoor focus, the Instinct 3 only offers breadcrumb navigation. Competitors at similar price points provide full mapping capabilities.
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No Touchscreen on AMOLED Models: Surprisingly, the AMOLED versions lack touchscreens, making navigation less intuitive.
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Storage Limitations: With only 3.7 GB of storage (2.7 GB already occupied), there's insufficient space for maps or major future updates.
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Instinct E as a Downgrade: The stripped-down Instinct E lacks features previously found in the Instinct 2, making it less appealing despite the lower price.
Design and Usability
The rugged, G-Shock-inspired design remains a hallmark of the Instinct series. Key design elements include:
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Display Options: Choose between the vibrant AMOLED display and the MIP display, which excels in battery life and sunlight readability.
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Buttons-Only Navigation: Consistent with the series, navigation relies on physical buttons, which may feel outdated for users accustomed to touchscreens.
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Comfortable Fit: The lightweight materials and wraparound strap design ensure all-day comfort.
Battery Life: A Garmin Signature
Battery performance varies across the models:
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Solar Models: With improved solar charging, these models offer potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with adequate sunlight.
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AMOLED Models: Provide up to 24 days (non-always-on display) and 9 days (always-on display).
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Instinct E: Delivers 14-16 days, depending on size.
Pricing and Value
The Instinct 3 series spans several price points:
- Instinct E: $299
- Instinct 3 Solar: $399 (45mm), $449 (50mm)
- Instinct 3 AMOLED: $449 (45mm), $499 (50mm)
At these prices, the lack of maps and a Gen 5 HR sensor is a tough pill to swallow.
Final Thoughts: Is the Garmin Instinct 3 Worth It?
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a mixed bag. It offers notable improvements, like the AMOLED display, enhanced solar charging, and expanded software features. However, the omission of key features—like the Elevate V5 HR sensor, maps, and a touchscreen—limits its appeal.
Who It’s For:
- Rugged outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing durability and battery life.
- Those interested in a vibrant AMOLED display but who don't need a touchscreen.
Who Should Skip It:
- Users seeking full mapping capabilities or the latest HR sensor technology.
- Those expecting a touchscreen interface on an AMOLED display.
Ultimately, the Instinct 3 will appeal most to fans of the series, while newcomers should carefully weigh the pros and cons before committing.