It’s also the first Instinct model with an optional AMOLED screen.
The only thing missing is storage for music and maps.
This ethos is evident in the watchs design, combining bold and colorful elements with rock-solid usability and reliability.
There are some truly useful safety features built into the Instinct 3.
There are also practical features like a built-in flashlight and solar charging (on the non-AMOLED models).
In fact, Ive come close to purchasing theGarmin Instinct 2for myself on numerous occasions.
Lets get into it.
The45mm AMOLED is $449and the50mm AMOLED Instinct 3 is $499.
All of these models can be purchased directly through Garmin or majorretailers like Amazon.
Garmin Instinct 3: design and wearability
Design-wise, Garmin didn’t fix what wasn’t broken.
And for that, I’m relieved.
There is, as noted above, a new larger 50mm size option.
(Here’s a closer look at how theInstinct 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2compare).
The Instinct 3 maintains Garmin’s tried-and-true five-button interface, which will take some getting used to for newbies.
The screen is not touch-sensitive, so wrapping one’s head around the physical UI is a must.
you’re able to alsocustomize them all.
This turns on the new LED torch flashlight.
That said, there are some odd omissions.
This makes them a push of the GPS button away.
All of the data fields on these screens can be customized to your heart’s content for individual activities.
However, out-of-box, there’s little I’d change in terms of theInstinct 3’s default snowboard data.
Additionally, upon close inspection of all my post-workout routes, I found no weirdness or anomalies.
It’s worth noting that the Instinct 3 doesn’t haveallof Garmin’s high-end training tools.
Several that are missing include the Endurance Score and Hill Climb Score.
However, I suspect that most prospective Instinct 3 customers won’t mind their absence.
There are some truly useful safety features built into the Instinct 3.
The latter is something I came to appreciate while testing the Instinct 3 in new skiing terrain.
You also get recovery time suggestions, though I didn’t find them all that useful.
I chalk up that longer-than-expected recovery time to the unit not yet being fully acquainted with my active lifestyle.
(I waited 24 before hopping on the board again.)
Compared to other smartwatches, the Instinct 3’s heart rate data seems to be right on the money.
Personally, I’d rather track my sleep with one of thebest smart rings, but I digress.
These include metrics for sleep duration and time spent in both deep sleep and REM.
There’s also a Training Readiness Score based on prior workouts and sleep quality.
or ‘Listen to your body!’
The Morning Report pops up automatically once Garmin thinks you’re up for the day.
However, it’s easy to accidentally miss one.
While the rig has nap detection, it only works if you’reactuallywearing it.
As a result, my sleep scores for those nights were in the garbage bin.
As a result, I’m skipping that cheeky nightcap more often (thank you, Garmin).
However, there’s no ECG sensor.
You also don’t get as comprehensive training and recovery tools.
Depending on your needs, though, the expense of one of the higher-end Garmins may be worth it.
Still, the Instinct 3 has some tools to help you find your way.
For example, Garmin’s TracBack feature will guide you back to the starting point of any tracked activity.
For folks who prefer navigating the old-school ways, I have some good news.
This is especially true when compared to the likes of thebest Apple Watchand thebest smartwatches for Androidusers.
Still, the ConnectIQ store offers some useful third-party apps.
Another missing feature is the ability to download music for offline listening.
Despite a light offering of smart features, the Instinct 3 doesn’t skimp out on safety tools.
The feature lets you preselect up to three contacts to be notified in the event of an incident.
These contacts will need to confirm their willingness once chosen (Garmin sends them a message).
Users can also choose whether they want Incident Detection to contact emergency responders when triggered.
Instead, it uses GPS data to generate real-time location tracking for approved trusted contacts.
LiveTrack needs to be set up through the ‘more’, tab in the Garmin Connect app.
Like Incident Detection/reporting, you pre-select who gets notified when you start a trackable workout session.
Of course, GPS tracking is a notorious power drain.
The big Solar model should last for 150+ hours using Max battery mode and 60 hours with multiband.
It also charges up mighty quickly.
Should you buy the Garmin Instinct 3?
However, there are two notable absences: support for offline maps and music downloads.
(Here’s a closer look at theInstinct 3 vs. Fenix 8).
Garmin seems intent on maintaining the former as a premium-only feature found on only the brand’s pricest wearables.
TheCoros Pace Prois another worthy competitor to the Instinct 3 with support for offline maps.
It costs a little less but doesn’t offer the same battery longevity or durability.
Ultimately, the Garmin Instinct 3 is likely to remain my go-to smartwatch for outdoor adventures and sports.
I also know that it will record my efforts with precision.
Should you get the Instinct E instead?
Should you get it?
The 45mm Instinct E features the same 0.9-inch memory in pixel (MIP) screen as the 45mm Solar.
However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found on the higher-end models.
Perhaps most notable is the lack of the built-in LED flashlight.
It also lacks NFC for mobile payments and multi-band GPS.
That said, water resistance is a match, at a respectable 100 meters.
I’d say yes it is but your mileage may vary.
