Garmin has finally launched the Instinct 3 series, and the biggest surprise? An AMOLED version! For years, the Instinct lineup was defined by its memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, offering outdoor visibility and extreme battery life. Now, with the Instinct 3 AMOLED, Garmin has introduced a major change—but what about those who still prefer the classic MIP display?
For users sticking with solar charging and rugged durability, the Instinct 3 Solar might feel similar to the Instinct 2 and 2X at first glance. However, there are some key updates that enhance usability, battery efficiency, and GPS accuracy.
From a brighter display and a new aluminum bezel accent to upgraded solar panels and added sports modes, the Instinct 3 packs a few important refinements. But are these small upgrades enough to justify upgrading from the Instinct 2 or 2X?
In this comparison, we’ll break down everything that’s new, improved, and unchanged in the Instinct 3 Solar vs. Instinct 2/2X. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or buying an Instinct for the first time, this guide will help you decide which model is right for you.
Let’s dive in and see what’s new in the Garmin Instinct 3!
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Design & Build Quality
The Garmin Instinct 3 stays true to its rugged, retro-inspired design, but with a few noticeable refinements that improve durability and aesthetics.
At first glance, the Instinct 3 Solar looks nearly identical to the Instinct 2 and 2X, featuring the same high-contrast memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, a rugged polymer case, and military-grade durability with 5ATM water resistance. However, Garmin has introduced some subtle but meaningful updates.
One of the most obvious design changes is the addition of screws around the lugs, giving the watch a slightly more industrial, tactical look. The bezel design has also been slightly updated, with a new aluminum accent that adds a premium touch.
However, there’s one controversial design choice—the solar model is currently only available with an orange bezel, regardless of the watch’s size or band color. This might be a dealbreaker for users looking for a more subtle, all-black look. Hopefully, Garmin will introduce additional bezel colors in the future.
In terms of size and dimensions, Garmin has dropped the “S” and “X” naming conventions and now simply refers to them by case sizes—45mm and 50mm. This change aligns with the Fenix 8 series, reducing naming confusion.
The weight of the Instinct 3 remains mostly unchanged, but Garmin has managed to reduce the weight of the 50mm model by 9 grams, making it more comfortable for all-day wear.
Another major upgrade is the LED flashlight (torch) on the 45mm model, a feature that was previously exclusive to the 2X model. This multifunctional flashlight now has four brightness levels and a red LED mode, making it an essential tool for outdoor activities, night runs, or even daily tasks like finding something in the dark.
From a durability standpoint, Garmin’s Instinct 3 is still built to withstand extreme conditions, maintaining its fiber-reinforced polymer case, chemically strengthened glass, and military-grade shock resistance.
Weight & Comfort
The Garmin Instinct 3 maintains its lightweight and rugged design, making it comfortable for all-day wear, whether you’re hiking, running, or just going about daily activities.
Despite keeping the same overall build, Garmin has slightly reduced the weight of the 50mm Instinct 3, making it 9 grams lighter than the Instinct 2X. This may seem like a small change, but for a watch designed for endurance and outdoor adventures, even a slight weight reduction can improve comfort during long wear sessions.
The 45mm model remains virtually the same in weight, keeping its light and comfortable feel for users who prefer a more compact watch size.
The fiber-reinforced polymer case and silicone strap contribute to the Instinct 3’s lightweight build, ensuring it doesn’t feel bulky on the wrist. Whether you’re sleeping, exercising, or wearing it all day, the Instinct 3 provides a snug yet breathable fit.
For outdoor users, weight distribution is key, and Garmin has done a great job in keeping the Instinct 3 balanced on the wrist, preventing any discomfort or strain during long hikes, runs, or cycling sessions.
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New Features & Upgrades
The Garmin Instinct 3 may look similar to its predecessor, but it introduces several key upgrades that enhance its performance, usability, and overall experience. Some of these changes are minor refinements, while others bring noticeable improvements that make the Instinct 3 a more capable outdoor smartwatch.
One of the most useful upgrades is the addition of an LED flashlight on the 45mm model, a feature that was previously only available on the larger 2X model. This built-in torch offers four brightness levels, along with a red LED mode for night visibility. The flashlight can also sync with your running cadence, flashing in rhythm with your steps, making it a great tool for nighttime training sessions.
Another major improvement is enhanced GPS tracking. The Instinct 3 now includes dual-band GNSS, which improves accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests, tall buildings, and mountainous regions. Additionally, Garmin has added SatIQ Auto-Select Mode, which helps optimize GPS settings to balance power consumption and accuracy. This makes the Instinct 3 an even better companion for hikers, runners, and outdoor adventurers.
The display has also been improved, even though it maintains the same size and resolution as the Instinct 2. The new version now offers twice the contrast, making it easier to read in bright sunlight. The backlight brightness has also been significantly increased, which improves overall visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the solar version no longer has a translucent layer over the display, making it appear clearer and sharper.
Garmin has also upgraded the solar charging system. The Instinct 3 now features more efficient solar panels, which help extend battery life in direct sunlight. The new black solar panels blend better with the display, creating a cleaner look while providing improved power conversion. With enough sunlight, certain configurations of the Instinct 3 can even achieve unlimited battery life.
Another important upgrade is increased storage capacity. The 45mm Instinct 3 now comes with 128MB of storage, compared to just 32MB on the Instinct 2. The larger 50mm model also gets 128MB, up from 64MB on the Instinct 2X. This additional storage allows for more workout data, route storage, and smartwatch apps, making the watch more functional for long-term use.
Sleep tracking has also seen an upgrade with the new Sleep Coach feature. This tool provides personalized sleep recommendations based on your past sleep patterns and daily activity levels. If you’ve had an intense workout or a stressful day, the Sleep Coach will suggest a longer recovery sleep. The Instinct 3 also introduces automatic nap detection, which logs short rest periods without requiring manual input.
For navigation improvements, Garmin has added city names and grid lines to the map pages. While the Instinct 3 doesn’t have full-blown maps like the Fenix series, these new labels can help users determine their location more easily when exploring new areas.
Another convenient feature is Garmin Share, which allows users to send routes and workouts directly to other Garmin devices without needing a phone. If you’re at a trailhead with friends, you can instantly share your planned route with them for easy navigation.
The Instinct 3 also expands its sport profile options, adding activities such as Obstacle Course Racing, Snorkeling, Tubing, Motorsports, Combat Sports, and Team Sports. It also introduces PacePro, a feature that helps runners plan and maintain their pacing strategy during training sessions.
These new additions and refinements make the Garmin Instinct 3 a stronger and more versatile smartwatch, improving its usability while maintaining its rugged appeal. Whether you’re upgrading from the Instinct 2 or buying your first Instinct watch, these enhancements contribute to an even better outdoor adventure experience.
Display Improvements
The Garmin Instinct 3 maintains the same memory-in-pixel (MIP) display as its predecessor, but it introduces some notable improvements that enhance visibility and usability. While the screen size and resolution remain unchanged, Garmin has significantly upgraded the brightness and contrast, making it easier to read in different lighting conditions.
One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in contrast, which is now twice as high as before. This makes the display appear sharper, with better separation between text, icons, and background elements. Whether you’re checking stats during a workout or using navigation features, the improved contrast ensures better readability at a glance.
Another key upgrade is the enhanced backlight brightness. The Instinct 3 now offers a much brighter backlight, making it easier to view in dim lighting conditions or at night. This is especially useful for users who rely on the watch in low-light environments or during nighttime outdoor activities.
Garmin has also made changes to the solar version of the Instinct 3, removing the translucent solar panel layer that was present in the Instinct 2 and 2X. While this layer helped capture more solar energy, it also caused some light reflection, slightly reducing display clarity. By eliminating it, the Instinct 3 offers a cleaner, clearer display with improved visibility.
The black solar panels surrounding the display have also been redesigned for better efficiency, blending more seamlessly with the screen. This not only improves aesthetics but also ensures higher solar power conversion without affecting display clarity.
While the Instinct 3 does not adopt the AMOLED screen seen in the new Instinct 3 AMOLED models, it retains its highly energy-efficient MIP display, which is still one of the best choices for battery life and outdoor readability. The combination of improved contrast, a brighter backlight, and a clearer display surface makes this the best MIP screen Garmin has ever produced.
Overall, the Instinct 3’s display upgrades improve readability, usability, and visibility in various lighting conditions, while still maintaining the rugged and efficient nature that the Instinct series is known for.
Battery & Solar Charging Enhancements
The Garmin Instinct 3 continues to offer exceptional battery life, and with improved solar charging technology, it delivers even better performance in outdoor conditions. While the base battery life remains similar to the Instinct 2, Garmin has made several refinements to extend solar-powered usage.
One of the biggest changes is the new and more efficient solar panels. These panels, which were first introduced in the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3, offer better energy conversion and are now completely black, blending seamlessly with the watch’s display. This improvement not only enhances the watch’s aesthetics but also increases solar power absorption without reducing screen clarity.
With these enhanced solar panels, Garmin has improved power efficiency, allowing certain configurations of the Instinct 3 to achieve unlimited battery life when exposed to enough sunlight. This makes it an ideal watch for long outdoor adventures, hikes, and expeditions where charging access is limited.
Another major benefit is the removal of the translucent solar layer that was present on the Instinct 2 and 2X models. While that layer helped capture more solar energy, it also slightly reduced display clarity. By removing it, Garmin has maintained the same solar charging capability while improving screen visibility.
Overall, with better solar efficiency and improved battery management, the Instinct 3 delivers longer-lasting performance, making it one of the best options for users who spend extended time outdoors and rely on solar charging.
Health & Fitness Features
The Garmin Instinct 3 maintains a strong focus on health and fitness tracking, offering a range of features to help users monitor their daily activity, workouts, and overall well-being. While many of its core health features remain similar to the Instinct 2, Garmin has introduced a few key improvements that enhance tracking accuracy and user experience.
One of the biggest additions is the Sleep Coach feature, which provides personalized sleep recommendations based on your previous sleep patterns and activity levels. Unlike standard sleep tracking, Sleep Coach dynamically adjusts suggested sleep duration based on factors like training load, recovery needs, and overall stress levels.
The Instinct 3 also introduces automatic nap detection, a feature that was missing from previous models. Now, the watch can automatically recognize and log naps without requiring manual input, making sleep tracking more comprehensive.
For heart health, the Instinct 3 retains the same heart rate sensor as the Instinct 2 and 2X, which some users may find disappointing. However, it still provides accurate real-time heart rate monitoring, tracking metrics like resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and training intensity. The watch also includes a Pulse Ox sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation, useful for altitude acclimation and sleep tracking.
Garmin has also kept essential fitness tracking features, including VO2 max estimation, training load, recovery time, and HRV status. These insights help athletes understand their fitness level and optimize their training routines.
A new addition to the Instinct 3 is the Load Ratio feature, which compares your short-term training load with your long-term fitness trends. This helps prevent overtraining by providing a better understanding of your workout intensity over time.
The watch also includes Garmin’s Morning Report, a feature that provides a daily summary of sleep quality, HRV status, and recovery insights upon waking up. This feature gives users a quick snapshot of their overall health and readiness for the day.
For outdoor fitness tracking, the Instinct 3 supports multiband GNSS, providing more accurate distance and pace tracking for running, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
Additionally, the Instinct 3 expands its sports profile selection, adding new activities such as Obstacle Course Racing, Snorkeling, Tubing, Motorsports, Combat Sports (MMA, Boxing), and Team Sports.
While the health tracking sensors remain unchanged, the Instinct 3 introduces smarter insights and better training tools, making it a great choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged watch with advanced fitness tracking capabilities.
Smartwatch & Navigation Features: Instinct 3 vs. Instinct 2/2X
The Garmin Instinct 3 retains most of the smartwatch and navigation features from the Instinct 2 and 2X, but it introduces some key upgrades that improve GPS accuracy, route sharing, and mapping details. While core functionality remains the same, these refinements make navigation more intuitive and tracking more efficient.
One of the biggest upgrades in the Instinct 3 is the addition of city names and grid lines on map pages. While none of the Instinct models feature full-color maps like the Garmin Fenix or Epix series, these new visual details provide better orientation when exploring remote areas or unfamiliar trails. The Instinct 2 and 2X did not include city name labels, making it harder to determine the nearest town or landmark.
Another major navigation improvement is the addition of multiband GNSS support across all Instinct 3 models. Previously, only the Instinct 2X featured dual-band GPS, while the standard Instinct 2 was limited to single-band GNSS. Now, even the mid-size 45mm Instinct 3 benefits from higher GPS accuracy, especially in dense forests, urban environments, and mountainous terrain.
Garmin has also introduced SatIQ (Auto-Select Mode) to the Instinct 3, which automatically adjusts GPS settings to balance accuracy and battery life. This was missing in the Instinct 2X, even though it had multi-band GPS. With this feature, the watch optimizes satellite connections based on signal strength and location, ensuring the best performance without excessive battery drain.
For smartwatch features, all three models—Instinct 3, Instinct 2, and 2X—support smart notifications, allowing users to receive texts, emails, and app alerts when connected to a phone. Weather updates, calendar reminders, and the Find My Phone feature remain unchanged across both generations.
A notable new feature in the Instinct 3 is Garmin Share, which enables wireless route and workout sharing directly from the watch to other Garmin devices. This was not available in the Instinct 2/2X and adds a new level of convenience for group activities. Now, if you’re hiking, running, or cycling with friends, you can send routes instantly without needing a phone connection.
Another new addition in the Instinct 3 is Garmin Messenger integration, which allows users to view and reply to messages from their Garmin InReach device or Garmin Messenger app. This is particularly useful for adventurers who rely on satellite communication in remote areas. The Instinct 2 and 2X did not include this level of direct messaging integration.
Safety and tracking features remain the same across all models, with LiveTrack, incident detection, and assistance alerts available on the Instinct 3, Instinct 2, and 2X. These features allow users to share their location with emergency contacts in case of an accident.
While music storage and Garmin Pay remain absent from all Instinct models, the Instinct 3 improves on navigation, GPS accuracy, and connectivity, making it a more refined and efficient outdoor smartwatch compared to its predecessors.
Key Differences Between Instinct 3 vs. Instinct 2/2X:
✔️ City names & grid lines added (Instinct 3 only).
✔️ Multiband GNSS now on all Instinct 3 models (Previously only on Instinct 2X).
✔️ SatIQ Auto-Select Mode for better GPS power management (New to Instinct 3).
✔️ Garmin Share feature for wirelessly sending routes & workouts (New to Instinct 3).
✔️ Garmin Messenger integration for direct InReach messaging (New to Instinct 3).
While the core smartwatch and navigation experience is similar, these small but important upgrades make the Instinct 3 a more capable outdoor watch, especially for users who rely heavily on navigation, GPS accuracy, and group route sharing.
Sport Profiles & Performance Tracking: Instinct 3 vs. Instinct 2/2X
The Garmin Instinct 3 builds upon the solid foundation of the Instinct 2 and 2X by expanding its sports profile selection and improving training insights. While many of the core fitness and performance features remain the same, Garmin has added new activities and advanced training metrics to make the Instinct 3 a more well-rounded fitness companion.
One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of new sports profiles. The Instinct 3 introduces activities such as Obstacle Course Racing, Snorkeling, Tubing, Motorsports, Combat Sports (MMA, Boxing), and Team Sports. The Instinct 2 and 2X lacked these specific modes, making the new model a better choice for athletes who participate in a wider range of activities.
A significant improvement in the Instinct 3is the inclusion of PacePro, a feature that helps runners create and follow a structured pacing strategy. Users can set time or distance goals and adjust their pace throughout a run. TheInstinct 2 and 2Xdid not have this feature, making the new model better suited for runners and endurance athletes.
Garmin has also introduced Load Ratio and Training Load Focus in the Instinct 3. These metrics allow users to analyze their short-term and long-term training intensity, helping them avoid overtraining and optimize recovery. While the Instinct 2 and 2X already included VO2 Max estimation, training status, and recovery time tracking, these new additions provide deeper insights into workout intensity and long-term progress.
Another upgrade exclusive to the Instinct 3 is the improved interval tracking system, which can automatically detect different intervals during workouts. This is particularly useful for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cycling, and triathlon training. The Instinct 3 also adds automatic transitions in multisport and triathlon modes, eliminating the need to manually switch between activities during races.
While the heart rate sensor remains unchanged across all models, Garmin has improved GPS accuracy with multi-band GNSS, which leads to better tracking for running, cycling, and hiking compared to the Instinct 2 and 2X. The addition of SatIQ Auto-Select Mode further enhances GPS power efficiency, ensuring accurate location tracking without unnecessary battery drain.
The Instinct 3 also includes race widgets and race calendars, allowing users to plan for upcoming events and structure their training accordingly. This feature was not available in the Instinct 2 and 2X, making it a welcome addition for athletes preparing for competitions.
✅ Pros & ❌ Cons: Garmin Instinct 3 vs. Instinct 2/2X
✅ Pros (Why You Might Want to Upgrade)
- More Accurate GPS Tracking – The Instinct 3 now features multi-band GNSS on all models, providing better accuracy in dense forests, mountains, and cities. Previously, only the Instinct 2X had this feature.
- Brighter & Higher Contrast Display – The Instinct 3’s screen has twice the contrast, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. The improved backlight also enhances visibility at night.
- New Sports Profiles & PacePro Feature – Garmin has added Obstacle Course Racing, Snorkeling, Tubing, Motorsports, Combat Sports, and Team Sports, along with PacePro for structured running plans.
- LED Flashlight on 45mm Model – Previously only available on the 2X model, the Instinct 3 now includes an LED flashlight on the mid-size version, improving visibility during night runs or emergencies.
- Better Solar Charging Efficiency – The new solar panels are more efficient, offering longer battery life in sunlight, with some configurations achieving unlimited battery life.
- Garmin Share & Improved Connectivity – The Instinct 3 allows for wireless route and workout sharing with other Garmin devices, making group training and adventure planning easier.
❌ Cons (Reasons You Might Not Upgrade)
- Same Heart Rate Sensor – Garmin did not update the heart rate sensor, meaning there’s no improvement in heart rate tracking accuracy compared to the Instinct 2 and 2X.
- No Full Maps Support – The Instinct 3 still lacks full topographic maps, relying only on basic breadcrumb navigation, which might be a dealbreaker for serious adventurers.
- Not a Huge Upgrade for Instinct 2 Users – If you already own an Instinct 2 or 2X, most of the core features remain the same, making the upgrade less compelling unless you need the new features.
Final Thoughts & Upgrade Consideration: Instinct 3 vs. Instinct 2/2X
The Garmin Instinct 3 brings some valuable upgrades over the Instinct 2 and 2X, but whether it’s worth upgrading depends on your needs. While the new model improves GPS accuracy, sports tracking, and display visibility, it doesn’t drastically change the Instinct experience.
One of the biggest reasons to upgrade is the enhanced multi-band GNSS support, now available across all Instinct 3 models. Previously, only the Instinct 2X had dual-band GPS, so if you rely heavily on precise tracking for hiking, trail running, or cycling, the Instinct 3 offers better accuracy in dense forests, cities, and mountainous terrain.
Another key improvement is the LED flashlight on the 45mm model, a feature that was previously exclusive to the Instinct 2X. If you frequently run, hike, or camp in low-light conditions, this upgrade could be useful for visibility and safety.
However, one of the biggest letdowns is that Garmin did not upgrade the heart rate sensor. The Instinct 3 uses the same sensor as the Instinct 2 and 2X, meaning there won’t be any major improvements in heart rate tracking accuracy. If you were expecting a next-gen sensor, this might make the upgrade less compelling.
Garmin also chose not to include full maps on the Instinct 3, likely due to its memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. The lower resolution and limited color capability make it challenging to display detailed maps, which is why this feature remains exclusive to higher-end models like the Fenix or Epix series.
If you already own an Instinct 2 or 2X and are happy with its performance, upgrading isn’t essential. The core experience remains the same, and unless you need better GPS accuracy, a brighter display, or the added sports profiles, you might be better off sticking with your current watch.
However, if you’re buying a new watch and choosing between the Instinct 2 and Instinct 3, the newer model is the better choice. The brighter screen, improved solar efficiency, and additional sports tracking features make the Instinct 3 a more capable and future-proof option.
Ultimately, the Garmin Instinct 3 is an evolution, not a revolution. If you need the extra features, it’s a great upgrade, but if your Instinct 2 or 2X is still working well, you may want to hold off for a more significant update in the future.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Garmin Instinct 3 worth upgrading from the Instinct 2?
It depends on your needs. If you want better GPS accuracy, a brighter display, new sports modes, or an LED flashlight on the 45mm model, it’s a good upgrade. However, if your Instinct 2 is still working well and you don’t need these features, you might not need to upgrade.
2. Does the Instinct 3 have better GPS than the Instinct 2?
Yes! The Instinct 3 includes multi-band GNSS on all models, whereas only the Instinct 2X had it before. This provides better location accuracy in challenging environments.
3. Does the Garmin Instinct 3 have a better heart rate sensor?
No. The Instinct 3 uses the same heart rate sensor as the Instinct 2 and 2X, meaning there is no difference in heart rate tracking performance.
4. Can I get full maps on the Instinct 3?
No, the Instinct 3 does not support full-color topographic maps, only breadcrumb navigation and new city name labeling. If you need detailed maps, you should consider the Fenix or Epix series instead.
5. Does the Instinct 3 have better battery life than the Instinct 2?
The base battery life is similar, but the Instinct 3 has more efficient solar panels, allowing for better solar charging and potentially unlimited battery life in sunny conditions.
6. Does the Instinct 3 work better for runners?
Yes! The Instinct 3 adds PacePro, which helps runners plan and maintain a pacing strategy during workouts and races—a feature not available on the Instinct 2 or 2X.
7. Is the Instinct 3 heavier than the Instinct 2?
No! The Instinct 3 is actually lighter, with the 50mm model weighing 9g less than the Instinct 2X, making it more comfortable for all-day wear.
8. Can I share routes and workouts with friends on the Instinct 3?
Yes! The new Garmin Share feature allows you to wirelessly send routes and workouts to other Garmin users, which was not available on the Instinct 2 and 2X.
9. Does the Instinct 3 support music storage or contactless payments?
No, the Instinct 3 does not support offline music storage or Garmin Pay, keeping it focused on outdoor and fitness tracking rather than smartwatch features.
10. Should I buy the Instinct 3 or wait for the next model?
If you already own an Instinct 2 and don’t need the new features, you can hold off on upgrading. However, if you need better GPS, solar charging, or sports tracking, the Instinct 3 is the best version yet.
