Launched atCES 2025 , the Garmin Instinct 3 smartwatch series succeed the four - star Instinct 2 and was design with “ adventurers in mind ” .
Made up of a Solar and a firebrand new AMOLED model , the Instinct 3 serial also sees multiple serious-minded updates from its harbinger .
Although we have n’t reviewed the Garmin Instinct 3 yet , we ’ve liken its spec to the Instinct 2 to avail you adjudicate which smartwatch might be best suit for you .
Price and availability
The Garmin Instinct 3 comes with a choice of two model : an AMOLED adaptation and one with build - in solar charging . The latter is the cheaper of the two , with a starting RRP of £ 349.99/$399.99 while the AMOLED model starts at £ 389.99/$449.99 .
Regardless of the good example you prefer for , both are officially launching on 10th January .
TheGarmin Instinct 2also comes in a choice of two models , with or without Solar charging and has a starting RRP of £ 219.99 . However , as it launch back in 2022 , it ’s more likely to see price drops across retail merchant .
The Instinct 3 has an AMOLED screen
As touch upon above , the Instinct 3 smartwatch has a 1.2 - in AMOLED screen . With a firmness of purpose of 390 x 390 pixels which is importantly higher than the Instinct 2 ’s 176 x 176 , you could expect a vibrant and bright display on the go .
Not only that but the display also has an always - on option which allows you to check your notifications quickly , without needing to tip it to wake the screen , a useful feature that ’s missing from the Instinct 2 .
The 50mm Instinct 3 Solar has a longer battery life
Garmin arrogate that , when equate to the Instinct 2 Solar , the new 50 mm Instinct 3 Solar get “ more than five times the battery sprightliness in GPS mode ” thanks to its larger and purportedly more - effective solar lens system . As we have n’t yet reviewed the Instinct 3 Solar , we ca n’t affirm these claims ourselves .
Both the Instinct 2 and 3 Solar smartwatches claim to declare oneself “ unlimited ” battery life , but it ’s deserving observe that we found this claim “ impossible ” to assert when we refresh the Instinct 2 . Even so , we were seriously impressed with the battery life we did experience .
Otherwise , the standard Instinct 2 ( without Solar ) actually sport a slightly better barrage fire life overall than the AMOLED Instinct 3 , offering up to 28 days of use while the latter provides up to 24 days . In fact , the AMOLED Instinct 3 drops to just nine days of battery when the always - on display is enabled .
The Instinct 3 has a flashlight
If you ’re an greedy motor home , cave explorer or simply want an supernumerary element of safety equipment when out for a rivulet then the Instinct 3 may be a in effect pick as each model has a build - in torch .
The flashlight has multiple feature article include varying intensities , a crimson twinkle choice and strobe mood which helps provide greater consciousness in moody surroundings .
The Instinct 3 has a reinforced aluminium bezel
Garmin explains that the Instinct 3 series is rugged and ready for “ any challenge ” and that ’s shown with its design . Each model sports a alloy - reward bezel alongside a reenforce polymer case and cabbage - resistant display to offer “ maximum lastingness ” when out on the trail .
Not only that but the Instinct 3 batting order is also build to MIL - STD 810 , which is a US military standard for thermal and shock resistance . Plus , much like the Instinct 2 series , it ’s also weewee - snitch up to 100 meters too .
The Instinct 3 has Garmin’s SatIQ technology
Although the Instinct 2 has GPS , Glonass and Galileo satellite support , offering a solid distance and position tracking , it lacks the more accurate multi - band GNSS supporting and Garmin’sSatIQtechnology .
SatIQ is a GPS technology by Garmin that work in the ground to determine whether a substantial multi - band or modest power GPS mode is needed , resulting in shelling preservation .
Early verdict
Although the Instinct 3 does frolic heedful and truly useful upgrades including an AMOLED silver screen , better GPS cut across technology and a utilitarian built - in flashlight , the series does n’t seem to be a complete overhaul from its predecessor .
Having enounce that , we ’ll abstain from pass on a conclusive verdict until we get our hands on the Instinct 3 .
