The Garmin Instinct series is known for its ruggedness, durability, and focus on outdoor activities. The recent release of the Instinct 3 has brought new features and options, but how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Instinct 2X, particularly the 50mm version? This article provides a detailed comparison to help you decide whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Design and Build
Both the Instinct 2X and Instinct 3 maintain a rugged, adventure-ready design. However, there are some notable differences:
- Bezel Reinforcement: The Instinct 3 introduces a metal ring reinforcement underneath the bezel, adding a touch of color to some models and doubling as a GPS antenna. The Instinct 2X does not have this metal reinforcement.
- Weight and Thickness: The Instinct 3 is slightly thinner (14.4mm vs. 14.5mm) and lighter. The Instinct 3 AMOLED weighs 59g, the Instinct 3 Solar weighs 58g, and the Instinct 2X weighs 67g, making the Instinct 3 more comfortable for daily wear.
- Display Options:
- Instinct 2X: Monochrome memory-in-pixel (MIP) display with a secondary display window.
- Instinct 3 Solar: Enhanced MIP display with 2x increased contrast.
- Instinct 3 AMOLED: Vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display without the secondary display window, providing a cleaner and more modern look.
Display
- Instinct 2X: Monochrome MIP display with a 1.1-inch screen and secondary display window.
- Instinct 3 Solar: Monochrome MIP display with a 1.1-inch screen and 2x increased contrast.
- Instinct 3 AMOLED: A 1.3-inch vibrant, full-color AMOLED display.
The AMOLED display on the Instinct 3 offers brighter visuals and improved clarity, while the enhanced MIP display also provides better readability than the Instinct 2X. However, the traditional MIP display of the Instinct 2X remains functional and rugged.
Estimated Battery (time in days)
All Satellite Systems (time in hours)
All Sat + Multi-Band (time in hours)
Key Takeaways
- Solar Efficiency: The Instinct 3 boasts a 5x increase in solar efficiency over the Instinct 2X, significantly extending GPS times when solar charging is utilized.
- AMOLED Consumption: The AMOLED display consumes more power, resulting in shorter battery life compared to both the Instinct 2X and the Instinct 3 Solar.
- MIP Efficiency: The MIP display, combined with solar charging, allows the Instinct 2X and Instinct 3 Solar to achieve practically unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode.
Sensors and Technology
Both watches share core functionalities, but the Instinct 3 introduces some upgrades:
- Heart Rate Sensor: Both use the older Garmin Elevate Gen 4 sensor, missing out on the newer Gen 5 features like ECG and skin temperature monitoring.
- GNSS/GPS: Both support multi-band GPS, but the Instinct 3 includes Garmin’s SatIQ, which optimizes satellite usage to conserve battery.
Software and Features
The Instinct 3 adds several new features, including:
- Nap Detection and Sleep Coach.
- Training metrics like Hill Score, Endurance Score, and Training Load Focus.
- Garmin Share and Messenger compatibility.
- Large font mode (AMOLED version only).
Criticisms
While the Instinct 3 introduces meaningful improvements, it falls short in some areas:
- Retains the older Gen 4 heart rate sensor.
- Lacks full topographic maps.
- AMOLED version has no touchscreen.
Should You Upgrade?
Upgrade if:
- You want a modern AMOLED display.
- New software features like Nap Detection and Hill Score are important to you.
- You prefer slightly lighter and thinner designs.
Don’t Upgrade if:
- You’re satisfied with the MIP display.
- Battery life and ruggedness are your top priorities.
- You own an Instinct 2X and don’t need the new features.
Conclusion
The Garmin Instinct 3 (50mm) introduces compelling upgrades, particularly with its AMOLED option. However, for users who don’t prioritize AMOLED or new features like Nap Detection, the Instinct 2X offers similar functionality with exceptional battery life. At its current price of $400–$410 on Amazon, the Instinct 2X is an excellent choice for those comfortable with the larger size. Unless you’re drawn to the new features, sticking with the Instinct 2X is the smarter, more cost-effective option.