Garmin returns to the outdoor world with a watch that leaves no one indifferent. The Instinct 3 embodies the continuity of a lineage born for adventure, but this time, the American brand dares to shake up its codes. At the heart of this evolution is one question: can you combine the robustness of a connected watch built for the elements with the dazzling modernity of an AMOLED screen?
Beneath its familiar appearance, the Instinct 3 actually hides a real breakthrough. Garmin is no longer content with a single model: the watch now comes in several formats, with the choice between a transflective display, a faithful companion for long expeditions, and an AMOLED panel with striking contrasts. Two philosophies, two worlds, united under a single name.
This bold gamble opens up new perspectives... but also debates. Because by expanding its range, Garmin is redefining what an "outdoor" watch is. Battery life versus visual comfort, endurance versus brilliance: the Instinct 3 attempts to reconcile it all, even if it means blurring the lines. After several weeks spent pushing it to its limits, it's time to see if this new generation truly lives up to its promises.
Table of Contents
A new look, between heritage and modernity
When you first see the Instinct 3, you can tell that Garmin wanted to evolve its watch without betraying it. You'll find the familiar codes of the series: the engraved bezel, the exposed screws, that robust look reminiscent of the G-Shocks of yesteryear. But something has changed. The design seems more fluid, more balanced, almost refined. It's as if Garmin has polished the edges without erasing the character. Some will see it as the most beautiful Instinct ever made, others will regret this slight smoothing that makes it less "military."
In hand, the case still inspires confidence. In 45 or 50 mm, it remains constructed of fiber-reinforced polymer, a material as light as it is strong, capable of withstanding heat, shock, water, and dust. The watch still meets the MIL-STD-810 military standard, a benchmark in the field. And with a water resistance of 100 meters, it can withstand pouring rain, prolonged immersion, or even the most intense swimming sessions without flinching.
But it's once on the wrist that the magic really happens. Despite its imposing appearance, the Instinct 3 is almost unnoticed. Barely 52 grams for the 45 mm model, 59 grams for the 50 mm version: it goes from the weight of an explorer to that of an everyday watch. For those coming from a Fenix or an Enduro 2, the difference is obvious—or rather, on the wrist. It almost feels like you're wearing nothing, a comfort that radically changes the perception of the watch.
Garmin has also played the style card. The 45 mm model comes in a sober, discreet, almost classic black. In contrast, the 50 mm version comes in a lighter gray, a choice that divides purists. And then there's this bronze-brown-yellow edition, unexpected, bold, which we don't really know how to judge at first. But as the days go by, it intrigues, attracts, and ends up pleasing. A watch that, like a piece of equipment that we learn to tame, finds its true personality over time.
Finally, Garmin has taken care of an often-overlooked detail: screen protection. The chemically strengthened glass may not have the nobility of sapphire, but it comes close in terms of durability. Above all, the slightly raised bezel creates an effective barrier against side impacts. The result: fewer scratches, a clearer, more readable screen. This simple improvement gives the feeling that everything has been designed to last, and that's exactly what you expect from a watch meant to follow adventures, whatever they may be.
AMOLED or MIP solar: the modern adventurer's dilemma
This is where the Instinct 3 reveals its full complexity. For the first time, Garmin offers a choice between two radically opposing screen philosophies. Two worlds that look at each other without understanding each other, but each with its own reasons for existing.
On one side, the purists: the transflective MIP screen, faithful to the original spirit of the Instinct series. This monochrome display, without frills, remains extremely readable, even in full mountain sunlight. Garmin has also refined its formula: no more copper or purple reflections of previous generations. The solar glass now blends into the bezel, almost invisible, as if the photovoltaic charging had hidden in the shadows. The result is more homogeneous, more elegant, without compromising readability.
This screen also retains its visual signature: a small, independent circular bezel, embedded in the corner of the display, which highlights key data: the time, battery level, and altitude. A detail that fans love. Some models experienced slight alignment errors at launch, but Garmin has since corrected this. The solar version therefore remains what it has always been: a watch built for endurance, readable anywhere, tireless, almost timeless.
And then comes the other side. The AMOLED screen. And there, everything changes. The first time you turn it on, it's a visual slap. Colors pop, numbers appear with surgical clarity, icons seem to float on the glass. Each pixel lights up individually, creating deep blacks, striking contrasts, and a real sense of depth. This is the first time an Instinct has rivaled the screens of the Fenix or Epix. And ironically, despite its more compact size, the AMOLED model even displays more pixels than the large 50mm solar model.
But this beauty comes at a price. To preserve battery life, the screen turns off after a few seconds of inactivity, leaving only a simplified display. You can activate the “always-on” mode, of course, but then the battery life melts like snow in the sun. And sometimes, you have to move your wrist to turn the screen back on—a trivial gesture, but one that can quickly become annoying when driving or quickly glancing at the time.
Garmin, however, had a brilliant idea: virtually recreate the famous circular bezel, the symbol of the Instinct range. On the AMOLED screen, it appears or disappears depending on the context. Present on the home screen, it disappears in menus or during an activity to free up space. A touch of visual intelligence that gives the watch a particular charm, halfway between tradition and modernity.
Choosing between these two versions is choosing your philosophy. AMOLED seduces the eye, MIP reassures the explorer. One shines, the other lasts. And somewhere in between lies the very soul of this Instinct 3: a delicate balance between beauty and endurance.
Data finally coming to life
It's when you dive into the activity screens that the Instinct 3 AMOLED truly reveals its difference. Until now, watches in the range have always focused on efficiency, not on spectacle. And on the solar version, we find this raw side: five data fields maximum, a proven but aging interface, and customization that requires patience. To modify a data item, you have to go through a separate menu, choose the field blindly, validate, go back... in short, a gymnastics reminiscent of Garmin watches from ten years ago. It works, yes, but it's anything but intuitive.
And then we move on to the AMOLED screen, and there... it's another story. Everything changes. The display becomes denser, more fluid, almost alive. You can now display up to six fields simultaneously, with much clearer visuals. But above all, Garmin didn't just add colors: it rethought the way data is expressed. Take heart rate. On the solar version, it's a simple number. On the AMOLED, it's data that breathes: a colored gauge indicates your effort zone, a graph traces your progress, all without sacrificing readability.
And that's not all. Some fields are becoming "intelligent": they can display two pieces of information at the same time. Altitude, for example, can show the total ascent and cumulative descent at a glance. By combining these dual fields, you can easily have seven or eight values on the screen simultaneously, while maintaining a clear and easy-to-read display.
It's this kind of detail that transforms the experience. The screen no longer just shows numbers: it tells the story. You can see your effort, feel your progress, and better understand what you're doing. After that, going back to the solar model is a bit like going from a modern smartphone to an old monochrome phone. The AMOLED here doesn't just look good; it makes the watch more lively, more intuitive, more human.
Old-school navigation… but devilishly effective
At a time when most smartwatches are all about gestures and touchscreens, Garmin is going against the grain. No swiping, no Apple Watch-esque rotating crown. None of that. The Instinct 3 sticks to its five physical buttons, like a tool designed for real-world conditions, not for shop windows. And honestly… it's a joy to use.
When you first discover it, this navigation can seem a little crude, almost old-school. Five buttons, each with its own function: the two on the right to move up or down in the menus, the one in the center to confirm, and on the left, the top one to go back. A long press, and you open the contextual settings. Simple, direct, without detours. It's a language to learn, certainly, but once you have it, everything becomes second nature. You'll even find yourself going faster than on a touchscreen.
And most importantly, it works. All the time. In the rain, with gloves, wet fingers, or with dusty fingers, it doesn't matter. The buttons always respond, with a crisp, precise click. No screen going crazy in the rain, no dial getting dirty. Just a straightforward, reliable, almost reassuring mechanical feedback. It's this simplicity that makes all the difference on the field: when you're exercising, you don't want to "touch a watch," you want to "act on it."
But Garmin didn't just stick with an efficient system. The menus are clear, logical, and superbly hierarchical. You can customize everything: shortcuts, sport profiles, data fields, screens. You can even assign a button to change activities on the fly, switching from a hike to a bike ride in full action, without stopping the recording. It's these kinds of small details that show that this watch was designed by people who really practice.
No flashy touchscreen, no gimmicks. Just proven ergonomics, designed for efficiency. And in a world where everything wants to be “smart,” the Instinct 3 reminds us that a watch can remain simple… and precisely for that, terribly intelligent.
The integrated lamp: the detail we didn't expect, but we love
There are features you notice on the spec sheet, and then immediately forget about. And then there are those you discover by chance, and can't live without. The Instinct 3's built-in flashlight is exactly that. A small addition that seems almost innocuous at first glance, but it literally changes the way you use the watch on a daily basis.
A double press of the top left button, and the magic happens. A white LED lights up, clear, powerful, with several intensity levels. You can even switch to a red light perfect for preserving night vision or staying discreet in a bivouac, or even activate a flashing SOS mode in case of emergency. On paper, it seems anecdotal. In practice, it's a real game changer.
Because once you've tried it, there's no going back. You use it all the time, without even thinking about it. To find your keys in the dark, light up a tent, check a bag, get home without waking anyone, or simply walk on a darkening path. This little beam becomes a reflex, a natural extension of the watch. And unlike a smartphone's flashlight, it's always there, attached to your wrist, ready to be used.
Some might call it a gimmick. But it's precisely the kind of gadget that, after a few days of use, becomes indispensable. A simple idea, but so well thought out, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
GPS and cardio: when the Garmin Instinct 3 watch becomes your guide
We set off on the trail, the Garmin Instinct 3 on our wrist, and immediately, we feel that it knows the terrain. The multiband GPS captures everything, every turn, every climb, every root under our feet. We venture into a dense forest, branches stretch above us, the light is scarce... and yet, the track remains perfect. SatIQ adjusts the precision automatically, saving the battery when the terrain opens up, focusing when the cover becomes complex. The barometric altimeter, finally well placed on the side of the case, faithfully tracks the elevation: each climb, each descent is measured to the nearest meter. We feel guided, safe, even in the heart of the unknown.
And your heart? It beats as we exert ourselves, and the Garmin Instinct 3 watch reads it accurately. During a run, a bike ride, or a long hike, your heart rate follows our rhythm, smooth and constant, faithful to that recorded by an Apple Watch SE3. We have this reassuring feeling: the watch is attentive, like a silent companion that never loses track of our effort.
Then come the more intense moments, the chaotic movements of a HIIT or a weight training session. There, the optical sensor shows its limits. A few unexpected peaks, a few deviations... but nothing dramatic. Then you take out your chest strap, connect it instantly via Bluetooth or ANT+, and precision returns. The power meters, the Varia radars, everything integrates perfectly.
As the hours, miles, and efforts pass, you'll understand why the Garmin Instinct 3 inspires confidence. Every step is tracked, every heartbeat read, every elevation gain measured. You can focus on the adventure, the scenery, your breath, without ever wondering if the instruments will fail. With it, the watch no longer just measures: it guides, it accompanies, it reassures.
Health and sport: the Garmin Instinct 3 watch closer to your body
Every metric comes to life on the Instinct 3 . The watch tracks your heart rate, blood oxygen, and respiration, analyzes your sleep patterns, measures stress, and estimates your energy reserves with Body Battery. You don't just see numbers: you see the state of your body, its rhythms, its tensions.
Sleep becomes almost narrative. The watch knows when you fall asleep and when you wake up, distinguishes between light, deep, and REM sleep, and notes micro-interruptions. In the morning, the score and detailed statistics provide real feedback on the quality of the night. A few errors may creep in, such as a moment of sitting mistaken for sleep, but overall, the tracking is consistent and usable.
Garmin adds even more depth with Health Status and Lifestyle Logging. After a few weeks, the watch establishes your personal baselines and alerts you if certain values are out of the norm. Lifestyle Logging allows you to observe the impact of your daily habits: a late meal, a drink of alcohol, a short night... everything is reflected in heart rate variability or other indicators. It almost feels like it's getting to know you.
On the sports side, the Instinct 3 doesn't disappoint. More than 50 activity profiles are available: running, trail running, cycling, swimming, skiing, surfing, obstacle course racing, triathlon... Each profile is personalized with its own screens, alerts, and metrics. It also features the full suite of Garmin tools: training status, recovery time, load, availability, heart rate variability, and personalized suggestions.
The multisport mode remains the only minor drawback. On the solar model, the activity sequence lacks clarity; on the AMOLED, the watch sometimes crashes during transitions. The solution? Program a shortcut button to quickly switch activities. Hiking, cycling, running… in a few seconds, everything flows seamlessly, and the watch follows, imperturbable.
With this combination of continuous health monitoring and advanced sports functions, the Garmin Instinct 3 watch becomes a true adventure companion, capable of supporting your efforts while remaining attentive to your body, day and night.
Battery life: the Garmin Instinct 3 watch , faithful on every adventure
Imagine yourself on a trail that stretches into infinity, the sun changing angles, the kilometers ticking by... and your Garmin Instinct 3 watch doesn't flinch. The 45mm AMOLED version holds up: even after busy days of activity, with the GPS running, the watch continues to track your route without ever showing any signs of fatigue. The always-on screen consumes power quickly, it's true, but in automatic mode, it perfectly balances visibility and battery life, and the advertised 18 days become realistic.
The 50mm solar version takes the experience to another level. Here, the watch becomes nearly indestructible. 40 days in smartwatch mode, 60 hours in standard GPS, 34 hours in multiband, with solar charging extending it all even further. In the field, it lasted 17 days and 16 hours of continuous use, with nearly 18 hours of active GPS. You find yourself free, exploring without worrying about the battery, following trails, climbing passes, diving into valleys... and the watch follows, imperturbable, like a silent guide.
As for solar charging, it's not magical enough to increase your battery life fivefold, but it does provide real convenience. Even under less clement skies, it extends your freedom and allows you to push the limits of extended adventures.
With the Instinct 3 , every outing becomes a story where the watch is a reliable companion. Whether you're in AMOLED or solar mode, you can focus on the effort, the scenery, the adrenaline... and forget about the battery. It stays there, constant, faithful, ready to follow your explorations until the end.
Connectivity and notifications: the Garmin Instinct 3 watch is always at hand
Whether you're hiking or on a remote road, the Garmin Instinct 3 keeps you connected without getting in the way. Smartphone notifications arrive directly to your wrist with precision. On Android, you choose exactly which apps send alerts. On iOS, you adjust the settings to keep only the essentials—calls and messages—to stay informed without being interrupted.
A gentle vibration alerts you of a message or call. A quick glance at the screen and you'll know immediately whether it's worth taking out your phone. Better yet, you can answer or end the call directly from the watch, while the conversation takes place on your smartphone. Convenient and efficient, even on the move or with your hands full.
For music, the Instinct 3 acts as a smart remote. You can start or pause playback, skip tracks, and adjust the volume—all from your wrist. No internal storage, but direct control that uses less battery. The only drawback: without a phone, there's no music. But in most situations, this feature is more than enough.
With the Garmin Instinct 3 watch , every day becomes more seamless. You stay connected when you need to be, free when you need to be, and every interaction with the watch becomes a simple, natural, and practical gesture in your daily life.
Navigation without maps: minimalist but surprisingly effective with the Garmin Instinct 3 watch
On the Instinct 3 , there are no detailed maps like on a Fenix. When you start an activity, the screen remains blank at first and only reveals your route as you go. No street names, no contour lines, no points of interest. Minimalist, yes, but far from useless.
The "return to start" feature quickly becomes indispensable: it automatically takes you back to your starting point by following your GPS track or in a straight line. Lost in the forest? That line on the screen can save you. You can also prepare a route on Garmin Connect from your phone or computer, then sync it to the watch. During the activity, the watch guides you with turn-by-turn alerts at intersections. Admittedly, without a base map, it takes a little getting used to, but it's perfectly functional for finding your way and exploring new routes.
The built-in compass, altimeter, and barometer complete this minimalist system. And this is where it gets intriguing: the AMOLED has 4GB of internal memory compared to only 128MB for the solar model. A huge difference, given that neither mapping nor music storage are available. One wonders if Garmin had planned to add these functions before backtracking. In any case, this extra memory remains unexplained, but in no way affects the effectiveness of GPS tracking: the system remains lightweight, simple, and responsive—exactly what you need in the field.
Practical features often underestimated
Some of the Instinct 3 are easy to overlook, but they make a real difference in your daily life. The ability to completely turn off the watch is one of them. This may seem trivial, but not all smartwatches offer this feature. Storing it this way keeps the battery intact for several weeks or months, and when you turn it back on, it returns to exactly the level you left it at.
The built-in alarm clock is also very well thought out. Two programmable alarms, with different repeat modes: once, every day, weekdays, weekends, or specific days. And best of all, you can choose vibration, ringing, or both. The vibration alone is a real asset for those who sleep with a partner or in a dorm: it wakes you up without disturbing those around you, while remaining powerful enough to be effective.
The LiveTrack feature turns your watch into a discreet safety tool. While out and about, if your phone is connected to the internet, you can share your location in real time with your loved ones. They can track your progress on a web interface, see your exact location, and even your planned route if you're following one. This is very useful for reassuring family and friends during long hikes or demanding trails.
Finally, the sunrise and sunset apps are surprisingly useful. The sun and moon times are stored directly on the watch for any point on the globe and any date. You can view this information several days or weeks in advance, without an internet connection. Only the weather remains dependent on your phone and the network.
With these small details, the Instinct 3 stands out as a watch that is not limited to sports monitoring: it becomes a reliable and intelligent companion for everyday life as well as during adventures.
The Garmin Connect ecosystem: a real plus for the Garmin Instinct 3 watch
As soon as you open Garmin Connect on your smartphone, you understand the benefits of the Garmin ecosystem. All your activities are centralized, your health stats are accessible at a glance, and you can plan your workouts, create or discover routes, and analyze your performance in detail. The interface is clear, intuitive, and immediately makes you want to explore all the options.
For those who prefer a larger screen, the Garmin Connect website doesn't disappoint. It offers similar, sometimes more advanced features, perfect for creating complex mountain routes or analyzing a ride in depth. Once the route is prepared on your computer, it syncs in seconds with the watch via your phone and Bluetooth. Everything becomes simple and seamless.
Data synchronization is particularly efficient. As soon as you complete an activity, the information is transferred to Garmin Connect, then to Strava or other platforms in less than a minute, automatically and effortlessly.
And that's the beauty of it: the watch remains independent. All your activities are stored locally. Even if Garmin Connect disappeared tomorrow, you could retrieve your FIT files directly from the watch via USB and manually import them to Strava or elsewhere. No total dependence on a service, no risk of losing your data: the Instinct 3 remains fully functional, robust, and reliable, even outside the Garmin ecosystem.
Price and positioning: a surprising change
This is where things get a bit tricky. The Instinct series had built its reputation as a rugged, full-featured, yet affordable GPS watch. The first generation cost around €300, offering most of the Fenix's features for a fraction of the price. Today, the Instinct 3 starts at €379 for the 45mm solar model. Tactical versions add another €100.
The increase is significant and changes the perception of the range. Certainly, the Instinct 3 brings real progress: exceptional autonomy, integrated LED light, optional AMOLED screen, more refined casing. But we are moving away from what made the Instinct so charming: a complete, practical and affordable GPS watch.
For the AMOLED model, the price increase is easier to digest. The screen offers real added value: readability, vibrant colors, richer displays, all while maintaining solid battery life. It's a premium product that fully justifies its price with a modern and enjoyable everyday viewing experience.
For the solar model, on the other hand, the bill seems harder to swallow. Yes, the battery life is impressive, probably record-breaking. Yes, the watch is robust, reliable, and comprehensive. But the monochrome MIP display remains austere, the interface a bit dated, and the data fields limited compared to the AMOLED. At this price, we're getting dangerously close to the old Fenix models on sale, which offer full mapping and advanced features.
And then there's the lack of the fifth-generation heart rate sensor on either model. No skin temperature measurement, no ECG. Garmin reserves these technologies for its high-end watches, creating a segmentation that seems more commercial than functional. It's clear that the Instinct 3 now reflects a premium strategy more than the series' historical affordability.
The Crossover version: a fascinating legacy but no longer relevant
Previously, Garmin offered the Crossover , a hybrid version that combined an AMOLED display with true mechanical analog hands. Previous models, sold for around €382, offered a unique blend of traditional watch and modern smartwatch. On these older versions, the hands overlapped the AMOLED display and interacted with the interface: they moved apart to make room for important information, served as a heart rate gauge, or indicated the direction on the compass. A visually captivating and technically impressive concept.
The case of these Crossover versions was slightly thicker and heavier than the classic 45mm size, with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a stainless steel bezel, offering a more premium look than the standard Instinct. Sports performance remained the same: multi-band GPS with SatIQ, fourth-generation heart rate sensor, health tracking and comprehensive sports. GPS accuracy and reliability of heart rate measurements were excellent for running, cycling and indoor training, but less optimal for weight training or HIIT, just like on the current Instinct 3.
Today, the Crossover is no longer offered for the Instinct 3. Garmin has chosen to focus the range on the classic AMOLED and solar models, leaving this hybrid concept to the history of previous versions. It's a shame for fans of bold design and mechanical technology on a digital screen, but the modern Instinct 3 retains all the sporty and rugged essence of the series, with a more refined style and refined features for adventure and everyday use.
Strength and durability: the Instinct 3 is ready for adventure
The Garmin Instinct 3 was designed to withstand the most extreme conditions and years of use. We're talking temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, and after several cold tests, it continues to function without flinching. Body heat on the wrist provides a natural bonus, allowing the watch to remain reliable even when the environment becomes hostile.
The silicone strap isn't anything fancy, but it gets the job done. Sweat-resistant and easy to clean, it snaps off for replacement in a snap. Garmin QuickFit bands are compatible, allowing for greater comfort or style depending on the situation. Breathable nylon for summer, more chic strap for everyday wear—everything remains simple and functional.
Confidence is quickly established. Even though the AMOLED model has experienced a few crashes with the native multisport mode, Garmin has a history of quickly correcting issues via updates. This is a watch you can rely on: mountain expeditions, multi-day trails, or isolated hikes, it won't let you down. It's not just a tool for sports; it's a navigation companion and a guarantee of safety.
In terms of water resistance, the Instinct 3 is certified to 10 ATM, or 100 meters. Rain, showers, swimming, kayaking, or rafting: it's all safe. But be careful, this is not a professional diving watch. Rapid movements can create pressure equivalent to several dozen meters before you actually reach depth. To explore the underwater world, it's best to look for a model specifically designed for this purpose.
Ease of use: the Instinct 3, not for the impatient
Instinct 3 smartwatch's interface is clear and logical, but the depth of the menus and the impressive number of available settings can be intimidating. If you've never used a multisport GPS watch before, there's definitely a slight learning curve. You don't just put the watch on your wrist and press a button. You have to explore, test, and understand.
But for those who like to dig in, customize, and push the settings to the limit, it's a real pleasure. You can create custom activity profiles, adjust every displayed metric, and program complex workouts. Every button becomes an extension of your fingers, every menu an opportunity to tailor the watch to your needs. The more you invest, the more the watch rewards you.
The online tutorials and manual become your allies in this adventure. And then, once you understand the logic, the five buttons become second nature. You can quickly navigate menus, change activities, or adjust your data without even looking up. The Instinct 3 requires a little patience at first, but it eventually becomes second nature, and then, each function deployed provides immediate satisfaction.
Languages and internationalization: a watch that speaks your language
Let's take a moment to focus on a detail that may seem trivial, but which really changes the daily experience: the language management on the Garmin Instinct 3. As soon as you turn it on, you can choose from a wide range: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and many more. Switching from one language to another is done simply from the system settings, with a short menu reload time, just enough to feel the watch adjusting its interface.
For adventurers and travelers, this is a real plus. You can go abroad and switch the watch to the local language, making it easier to read notifications, alert messages, and instructions during a sporting activity or navigation. Personally, I often like to keep the watch in English, especially to follow online tutorials or take advantage of the more comprehensive support available in the language of Shakespeare. But for everyday use, especially for those who spend a lot of time in menus or consulting their health statistics, having the interface in your native language completely transforms the comfort of use.
Every menu, every widget, every alert instantly becomes more natural. We no longer think; we navigate, consult, and adjust, as if the watch knew exactly how to speak to us. In a watch designed for adventure and precision, this attention to language isn't a detail: it's the finishing touch that makes the Instinct 3 truly universal.
✔ Rich and immersive AMOLED display (AMOLED version): vibrant colors, perfect readability, animated widgets.
✔ Exceptional autonomy: Solar model up to several weeks, AMOLED up to one week.
✔ Accurate and reliable GPS: Multi-band, SatIQ, accurate barometric altimeter, efficient navigation.
✔ Integrated LED light: Discreet but essential for everyday use and nighttime outings.
✔ Robustness and durability: 10 ATM waterproof, withstands extreme temperatures (-20°C to 60°C).
✔ Simple and efficient navigation: Five intuitive physical buttons, usable with gloves or dirty hands.
✔ Garmin Connect Ecosystem: Fast syncing, comprehensive activity tracking, cloud independence.
✔ Complete health/sports features: 24/7 monitoring (sleep, stress, Body Battery), more than 50 sports profiles.
✔ Extensive customization: Adjustable data fields, profiles, shortcuts, alarms and notifications.
✖ High price: €379 for the Solar model.
✖ Absence of the 5th generation heart sensor: No ECG or skin temperature measurement.
✖ Sometimes complex interface: Learning curve for beginners due to the depth of menus and settings.
✖ Less visually immersive solar version: Austere monochrome MIP screen compared to AMOLED.
✖ No built-in mapping: Minimal navigation (based on GPS track and route lines).
✖ Less reliable heart rate sensor for bodybuilding/HIIT: Sudden movements impact accuracy.
✖ Crossover version not current: Limited to older generations (no analog hands on AMOLED).
Verdict: a concentrate of robustness and technicality… at a high price
After spending several weeks with the Garmin Instinct 3 , on roads, trails, in the city, in the rain and in the sun, we're starting to understand why this watch is making waves. The experience is nuanced, but overall, the results are positive .
The Instinct 3 AMOLED immediately stands out as the most attractive version for everyday use. The screen completely transforms the feeling: no more austere black and white, replaced by a rich, colorful, vivid display . The battery life, although lower than that of the solar model, remains very decent : a full week of normal use with some GPS activities. And then this integrated LED lamp Garmin's GPS, navigation, sports and health features are there, solid and reliable.
The solar model , on the other hand, finds its true usefulness in long expeditions , multi-day ultras, or treks. Its phenomenal autonomy , which extends almost indefinitely with good solar exposure, makes it an ideal adventure companion.
The real downside is the price . Going from 300 to 500 euros and more repositions the Instinct in a range where competition is fierce. The absence of the fifth-generation heart rate sensor also raises eyebrows, especially at these prices.
Still, putting the financial aspect aside, the Instinct 3 remains an exceptional : robust, reliable, complete , with battery life ranging from very good to spectacular. The GPS is accurate, the altimeter reliable, and the Garmin Connect is mature and powerful. Its ability to operate independently of cloud applications is a valuable asset.
Who's it for? Regular outdoor athletes, trail runners, hikers, cyclists, and multi-sport enthusiasts. For those who value battery life and durability over luxury and elegance. And with AMOLED, for those who also want modern visual comfort on a daily basis.
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