Upgrade Your Adventures: 10 Perks of the Garmin Instinct 3!
Introducing the Instinct 3 Series from Garmin: rugged smartwatches now with AMOLED display options, superior multi-band GPS, increased solar efficiency on solar models, and an LED flashlight in every model!
The Garmin Instinct 3 series of rugged outdoor watches was officially announced on January 6, adding several new features to what was already an impressive affordable training smartwatch. Building on its predecessors, the Instinct 3 series introduces two sizes featuring stunning AMOLED display, an extended battery life with solar charging options, and enhanced features for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness lovers alike. Available now with a starting price of $399.99, this watch offers a variety of models tailored to different lifestyles, making it a must-have for those seeking adventure and durability.
Comparing the Garmin Instinct 3 to the Instinct 2 Series
When placed side by side, the Garmin Instinct 3 showcases significant upgrades over the Instinct 2 series. The most notable change is the introduction of AMOLED display options (you can still get solar-charging option for $50 less), which allow for a vibrant color and enhanced readability, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the Instinct 3 boasts improved solar charging capabilities, further extending its already impressive battery life. While the Instinct 2 offered a reliable and rugged design, the Instinct 3 enhances durability while introducing new features like upgraded satellite connectivity for more accurate location tracking. Plus, the Garmin Instinct 3 smartwatch includes Garmin Pay and an LED flashlight on all models. With these enhancements, the Instinct 3 represents a substantial leap forward for both outdoor and everyday users.
The Instinct 3 vs the Garmin fenix 8
While the Instinct 3 offers ruggedness and a streamlined design, the fenix 8 multisport watch caters to users seeking premium materials and advanced features. The fenix 8 incorporates titanium and sapphire options, along with a broader suite of performance metrics tailored to elite athletes. The most notable features that the fenix 8 offers over the Instinct 3 are:
- Built-in full-color mapping
- On-watch music storage & controls
- Making calls and texts
- Voice command features
- Touchscreen along with traditional button operation
- Leakproof buttons
- Strava & Garmin Live Segments
However, the Instinct 3 stands out for its affordability, as well has offering nearly all of the training, running, and health and wellness features that higher-end Garmin watches do. The AMOLED display of the Instinct 3 narrows the visual gap between the two, and its extended solar battery performance rivals the fenix series in endurance. Ultimately, the Instinct 3 appeals to those who prioritize rugged functionality and cost-effectiveness, while the fenix 8 remains the go-to for users desiring premium materials in a fully realized multisport watch with cutting-edge fitness technology.
Introducing the Even More Affordable Garmin Instinct E
If you need an outdoor watch with a softer price tag — $100 softer — and even a smaller size option, Garmin offers the Instinct E. Similar to the Garmin fenix E released along with the fenix 8 series, the “E” in this Garmin watch also stands for “Essential” and is basically a laid back version of the upgraded watch. It’s for folks who, well, don’t really give a damn about the upgrades and would rather just pay for a standard Garmin Instinct. Hey, y’all do you!
10 Reasons to Buy the Garmin Instinct 3
1. AMOLED Display: Experience vibrant colors and better readability compared to previous models and the Instinct 3 Solar. The addition of the AMOLED screen also allows for workout animations and muscle maps.
2. Increased solar efficiency: A larger, more efficient solar lens harnesses the power of the sun even better. Compared to Instinct 2 Solar, the new 50mm Instinct 3 Solar gets more than five times the battery life in GPS mode when solar charging.
3. Improved GPS Accuracy: Multi-band satellite support for precise location tracking; You’ll experience superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life.
4. Enhanced Durability: Instinct 3 now features a metal-reinforced bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case, and scratch-resistant display for maximum durability. The new lineup is also built to MIL-STD 810 for thermal and shock resistance and is water-rated to 100 meters. Plus, a built-in flashlight — now available on all Instinct 3 models — provides variable intensities, a red light and strobe mode to help provide greater awareness in dark environments.
5. 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.
6. Fitness & Wellness Tracking Excellence: Advanced heart rate monitoring, VO2 max, Training Readiness, and Training Status. Get sleep analysis to help maximize benefits of your workouts. Also, wrist-based Pulse Ox, heart rate variability (HRV) status, and Morning Report help you decide how to tackle your day.
7. Customizable Design: Choose between these sizes, colors, and models:
- 45mm AMOLED in Black
- 45mm AMOLED in Neo Tropic (limited edition color)
- 45mm Solar in Black
- 50mm AMOLED in Black
- 50mm AMOLED in Neo Tropic (limited edition color)
- 50mm Solar in Black
8. Extended Battery Life: Up to 24 days in smartwatch mode. Unlimited battery life with solar-charging! (See full battery life for all models below.)
9. Affordable Pricing: Starting at $399.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for adventurers, outdoor athletes, and anyone looking to ramp up their training! (See full pricing chart below.)
10. Smartwatch Functionality: Notifications, Garmin Pay, and new Garmin Share — for sharing saved locations, courses, and workouts with other nearby, compatible Garmin smartwatches and Edge® cycling computers —make it versatile for daily use.
Instinct 3 Outdoor Watch Battery Life
- Garmin Instinct 3 45mm AMOLED in Black
- Smartwatch: Up to 18 days (7 days always-on)
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 24 days
- GPS Only: Up to 32 hours
- All Satellite Systems: Up to 25 hours
- All Satellite Systems + Multi-Band: Up to 23 hours
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 68 hours
- Expedition GPS: Up to 16 days
- Instinct 3 45mm AMOLED in Neo Tropic (limited edition color)
- Smartwatch: Up to 18 days (7 days always-on)
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 24 days
- GPS Only: Up to 32 hours
- All Satellite Systems: Up to 25 hours
- All Satellite Systems + Multi-Band: Up to 23 hours
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 68 hours
- Expedition GPS: Up to 16 days
- Instinct 3 45mm Solar in Black
- Smartwatch: Up to 28 days/Unlimited with solar
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 65 days/Unlimited with solar
- GPS Only: Up to 40 hours/130 hours with solar
- All Satellite Systems: Up to 28 hours/50 hours with solar
- All Satellite Systems + Multi-Band: Up to 24 hours/40 hours with solar
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 100 hours/Unlimited with solar
- Expedition GPS: Up to 36 days/Unlimited with solar
- Instinct 3 50mm AMOLED in Black
- Smartwatch: Up to 24 days (9 days always-on)
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 30 days
- GPS Only: Up to 40 hours
- All Satellite Systems: Up to 32 hours
- All Satellite Systems + Multi-Band: Up to 30 hours
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 86 hours
- Expedition GPS: Up to 20 days
- Instinct 3 50mm AMOLED in Neo Tropic (limited edition color)
- Smartwatch: Up to 24 days (9 days always-on)
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 30 days
- GPS Only: Up to 40 hours
- All Satellite Systems: Up to 32 hours
- All Satellite Systems + Multi-Band: Up to 30 hours
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 86 hours
- Expedition GPS: Up to 20 days
- Instinct 3 50mm Solar in Black
- Smartwatch: Up to 40 days/Unlimited with solar
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 100 days/Unlimited with solar
- GPS Only: Up to 60 hours/ 260 hours with solar
- All Satellite Systems: Up to 40 hours/80 hours with solar
- All Satellite Systems + Multi-Band: Up to 34 hours/60 hours with solar
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 150 hours/Unlimited with solar
- Expedition GPS: Up to 60 days/Unlimited with solar
Garmin Instinct 3 Price
- Garmin Instinct 3 45mm AMOLED in Black — $449.99
- Instinct 3 45mm AMOLED in Neo Tropic (limited edition color) — $449.99
- Instinct 3 45mm Solar in Black — $399.99
- Instinct 3 50mm AMOLED in Black — $499.99
- Instinct 3 50mm AMOLED in Neo Tropic (limited edition color) — $499.99
- Instinct 3 50mm Solar in Black — $449.99
The Wrap
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a game-changer for anyone seeking a rugged yet stylish smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on performance. Whether you’re upgrading from the Instinct 2, considering a fenix alternative, or entering the Garmin ecosystem for the first time, the Instinct 3 delivers unparalleled value for its price.