Garmin has done it again. The Instinct series, known for its rugged durability and reliable tracking, has taken a bold step forward with the Garmin Instinct 3.
While this lineup has always been a favorite among outdoor adventurers, the Instinct 3 balances that rugged DNA with modern smartwatch features. Yes, it’s true—the new Instinct has an AMOLED display.
Let’s dive into what this means, what’s new, and why this series is bigger and better than ever.
A Quick Recap of the Instinct Series
The Garmin Instinct series originally debuted as a GPS watch catered to hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
It was designed to handle rugged conditions while offering solid navigation and tracking features.
Over time, Garmin started adding more tools to each generation, making the Instinct a versatile choice for a wide range of users—not just outdoor junkies.
Now, with the Instinct 3, Garmin has packed features that appeal to both athletes and casual smartwatch users.
Three distinct models make up this new family, each offering something unique, whether you’re looking for better display quality or a crazy-long battery life.
First Impressions from CES 2025
I got my hands on the Garmin Instinct 3, Garmin showcased the new lineup in an impressive setup, and I had the chance to explore their latest upgrades in detail.
While this isn’t a full review, I’ll take you through the most noteworthy features, changes, and how this new lineup stacks up.
Garmin Instinct 3 Models: Three Options to Pick From
Garmin is offering the Instinct 3 in three main models, each tailored to different user needs:
Here’s a table to help organize and compare the three models of the Garmin Instinct 3:
| Model | Display | Battery Life | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instinct 3 Solar | Monochrome MIP display, improved contrast | 28–40 days in smartwatch mode (depending on size and sunlight exposure) | Solar charging, ultra-long battery life, rugged design |
| Instinct 3 AMOLED | AMOLED display, high resolution and vibrant colors | 18–24 days in smartwatch mode | Modern display, button controls (not touchscreen), vibrant screen |
| Instinct 3E | Monochrome MIP display, basic visibility | 14–16 days in smartwatch mode | Budget-friendly, fewer features (no solar, basic GPS) |
This table provides a clear and concise comparison of the key differences between the models, including display type, battery life, features, and pricing.
- Instinct 3 Solar: A familiar look with improved solar-charging capabilities.
- Instinct 3 AMOLED: Bright, colorful, and making waves with its vibrant screen.
- Instinct 3E: A budget-friendly, stripped-down version for those who want the basics.
Each model has distinct display options, GPS technology, battery life, and price points to consider. Let’s break down the differences.
Instinct 3 Solar
The Solar version sticks to Garmin’s classic monochrome MIP display but now offers better contrast and improved visibility.
For those who love the outdoors, this model is a powerhouse for long, uninterrupted use thanks to its upgraded solar capabilities.
The most impressive part? If you’re getting enough sunlight daily, you’ll practically never need to charge it.
Its battery can last 28 days in smartwatch mode for the smaller size and 40 days for the larger size, even without much sunlight.
When sunlight is abundant, you can hit unlimited battery life without going into battery-saving mode.
If maximum battery life is your priority, this is the go-to model.
Instinct 3 AMOLED
The star of the show is the introduction of an AMOLED display. This version features a high-resolution, colorful screen that’s sharp, modern, and much closer to what you’d find on premium smartwatches like the Garmin Fenix 8.
However, what might surprise you is that the AMOLED display doesn’t include a touchscreen.
Everything is controlled via buttons—just like in previous Instinct models. This design choice feels odd for an AMOLED display, but some users might prefer buttons for durability and easier use in tough conditions.
In terms of battery, the smaller AMOLED version delivers 18 days in smartwatch mode or 7 days with the always-on display turned on.
The larger version improves slightly, offering 24 days in smartwatch mode or 9 days with always-on enabled.
This is the perfect option for users who want a modern, vibrant display, even if it means sacrificing some battery life compared to the Solar model.
Instinct 3E (Essential Version)
The Instinct 3E is the budget-conscious option in the lineup. It’s essentially the original Garmin Instinct but with upgraded internals.
It uses the same monochrome MIP display and doesn’t include solar charging or AMOLED options.
The GPS tracking capabilities are basic, lacking the new dual-band tech found in the other models. It also has no flashlight and fewer advanced training metrics.
Battery life stands at 14 days for the smaller size and 16 days for the larger one, which is still respectable.
Think of the Instinct 3E as an entry-level version for someone who wants the look and feel of this iconic series without all the bells and whistles.
Display and Design Updates
The core design language of the Instinct 3 remains true to its roots. It still boasts Garmin’s rugged, G-Shock-style aesthetic, making it durable and ready for adventure.
A key update, however, is the metal frame beneath its plastic bezel.
This improvement boosts durability without sacrificing Garmin’s scratch-resistant plastic exterior—a smart design for users who put their gear through tough conditions.
No matter which model you pick, all sizes now include a built-in flashlight—not just the larger sizes, as was the case with previous generations.
This feature is amazingly practical, whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply navigating a dark parking lot.
Advanced Health and Fitness Tools
Garmin didn’t hold back on fitness-tracking tools for the Instinct 3 lineup. Even though the watch uses the Generation 4 heart rate sensor (not Garmin’s latest version), it still manages to pack in plenty of advanced features:
- Hill Score and Endurance Score to measure fitness for athletes training in hilly or challenging environments.
- Garmin’s updated Sleep Coach and sleep tracking algorithms for improved health insights.
- Garmin Pay is included across all models for contactless payments.
That said, the outdated heart rate sensor does limit certain wellness features like wrist temperature monitoring or ECG sensing, found in Garmin’s higher-end watches.
Navigation and GPS Upgrades
Every model in the Instinct 3 lineup now includes multi-band GPS, leading to more accurate tracking in tricky locations like dense forests or urban areas.
This used to be exclusive to larger versions but is now available across sizes—a big win for hikers and runners.
However, don’t expect full-fledged mapping like what’s available on Garmin’s Fenix models. The Instinct 3 sticks with classic breadcrumb navigation, which works but lacks the depth some users might expect.
Battery Life: Solar Power Dominates
Perhaps the most standout feature of the Instinct 3 series is the massive battery life improvements.
- Solar Model: Unlimited battery with adequate sunlight. 28–40 days in smartwatch mode without sunlight.
- AMOLED Model: Bright display comes with trade-offs—18–24 days in smartwatch mode.
- Instinct 3E: Respectable 14–16 days but misses out on solar efficiency and AMOLED vibrancy.
If battery life is at the top of your wishlist, the Solar versions dominate the competition.
Missing Features to Keep in Mind
While the Instinct 3 series is a big step forward, Garmin left out a few features found in its higher-end watches.
- No internal music storage: No Spotify, Amazon Music, or other onboard music options.
- No advanced mapping: Fans hoping for full-color maps may feel let down.
These cutbacks make sense to keep rugged durability and battery life as the priorities, but some users may still miss those extras.
Pricing Breakdown
Here’s where each model lands in terms of price:
- Instinct 3E: Starting at $299 on Amazon.
- Instinct 3 Solar: Starting at $399 (up to $449 for larger sizes) on Garmin or Amazon.
- Instinct 3 AMOLED: Priced at $449–$499 on Amazon or Garmin.
Despite the differences in features, all models deliver a solid value for their price tiers.
Final Thoughts: Who’s It For?
The Garmin Instinct 3 series has something for everyone, be it the unrivaled battery life and rugged design of the Solar model that will impress the outdoor adventurer or the modernity and visual appeal of the AMOLED version.
The Instinct 3E is a no-frills option that won’t dent the wallet for first-time buyers or anyone on a tight budget.
Whether you are a long-time fan of the Instinct series or contemplating switching from some other brands, like Coros on Amazon, there is plenty here to consider.
Whether you hike, camp, or just take on the day-to-day of life, Instinct 3 delivers by spades on durability and added functionality.
Ready to jump? Get the Garmin Instinct 3 now! Check prices and availability on Amazon.
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Thoughts? Upgrade to Instinct 3, or keep it as is? Let me know comment below, and stay tuned for my full review as it goes through real-world paces shortly!
