Comprehensive Review of Garmin Instinct 3 Solar: Features and Improvements
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar has made waves in the market for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rugged and reliable smartwatch. Available in two distinct sizes—45mm and 50mm—and four color variations, this watch is priced at $399 and $499 respectively. Its key selling points include unlimited battery life when solar charging is adequate, a durable build, an integrated LED flashlight, and precise tracking capabilities, which make it a superb companion for adventurers. However, it falls short with its monochrome display, limited mapping capabilities, and a potentially bulky feel for some users.
Garmin Instinct Series: A Legacy of Adventure Watches
The Garmin Instinct lineup has traditionally catered to outdoor adventurers looking for a watch that withstands harsh environments and remains functional when exposed to extreme conditions. Having previously owned the Instinct 2X Solar, I found it indispensable during fly fishing and camping trips, chiefly due to its impressive battery life and essential functionalities.
Building on this legacy, Garmin has introduced the Instinct 3 series with an exciting option for buyers—the choice between the classic memory-in-pixel (MIP) display and a vibrant AMOLED display. Recognizing that exceptional battery life is quintessential to the Instinct brand, I opted to examine the MIP display model to assess its improvements over the Instinct 2X Solar.
| Feature | Instinct 2X Solar | Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Monochrome MIP | MIP with optional AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Unlimited with solar | Improved solar efficiency |
| Flashlight | Integrated LED | Integrated LED |
While I appreciate the appeal of AMOLED displays for their brightness and color, I am skeptical about their inclusion in the Instinct lineup. I believe retaining a solar model with a color MIP display, as seen in Garmin's Enduro series, would have been ideal. Garmin has demonstrated its capability to deliver remarkable battery life alongside color MIP displays, and this enhancement was what I anticipated.
Improvements and Features in the Instinct 3 Solar
The Instinct 3 Solar incorporates numerous improvements compared to the Instinct 2X Solar, particularly in solar charging power, which has increased up to fivefold. Visually, the contrast is notably better, and new color options enhance aesthetic appeal. Software advancements include enhanced training load analytics, sleep coaching, nap detection, Garmin Messenger, and auto transition for multi-sport activities.
Performance and Utility
In terms of performance, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar excels with accurate location tracking and robust heart rate monitoring, delivering consistently reliable results for various applications. The LED flashlight remains indispensable for daily usage, reinforcing the utility of having a Garmin watch readily available. I tested the larger 50mm model with the striking Twilight and Solstice orange band and found it to fit comfortably, complementing both its weight and appearance on the wrist.
Design and Durability
The watch is built to endure with rugged elements reinforced by a raised polymer frame surrounding the bezel for screen protection. A splash of color on the aluminum bezel and fiber-reinforced case material adds to its resilience, alongside a water resistance rating of 10 ATM—making it suitable for diverse environments. Additionally, the small secondary display is a useful feature, particularly for on-the-go marking activities such as fishing.
Future Prospects and Recommendations
For those in search of a durable GPS sports watch under $500, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar stands out, yet it prompts the question of evolving beyond monochrome MIP displays. Garmin might consider offering the Instinct 4 series with both a color MIP model and the AMOLED variant, allowing consumers to prioritize between color presentation and battery longevity—similar to decisions made in the flagship Fenix 8 series.
Overall, Garmin's Instinct series continues to appeal to those desiring robust, substantial watches capable of enduring rigorous use. The Instinct 3 Solar impresses with its enduring battery life and compelling choices in color and size, though retirement of monochrome display technology could enhance its modern appeal. Despite missing certain features like offline music and advanced heart rate tracking present in newer models, it remains a top choice for adventurers.
