Garmin Instinct 3 In-Depth Review (AMOLED & SOLAR): Worth It?

Here's your complete Garmin Instinct 3 in-depth review, covering everything you need to know.

The Garmin Instinct series has enjoyed enormous popularity since its launch over 6 years ago. The rugged-looking watches have always aimed to deliver some of the longest battery life in the wearable-GPS world, while still maintaining much of the Garmin outdoor features and functionality. The company has largely balanced on that fence by using monochrome MIP-based displays and components that barely sip power, even adding in solar power for a bit more juice. The pricing of these models has always been affordable, and usually undercut their competitors (the Instinct 2 is currently selling for ~$200USD).

But the Instinct 3, and Garmin’s competitors, are turning parts of the Instinct story on its head. Garmin has split the lineup, to now offer both a stunning (but power-hungry) AMOLED version, as well as the traditional MIP-based SOLAR display with certain modes enabling unlimited GPS battery life. The pricing reaches $499 for the AMOLED edition, despite lacking offline mapping or Garmin’s more recent optical heart rate sensors. Meanwhile, Garmin’s legacy (Polar/Suunto/COROS), big tech (Apple/Samsung), and newfound competitors (AmazFit/) are now offering full-color mapping watches from the $200’s. It’s a tricky time to be an Instinct 3.

Nonetheless, both myself and my wife have been putting the Instinct 3 through its paces over the last while. From 60KM 12-hour mountain treks, to four-hour rides, to openwater swims, trail runs, and more. Even stand-up paddle boarding (someone had to test it…). Both the AMOLED & SOLAR editions, and often compared side-by-side with Garmin’s higher-end Fenix lineup. I’ve got more than enough data to dive into what exceeded expectations and works well, and what’s been a disappointment.

Finally, note that these units are media loaners, and once this review is complete, it will go back to Garmin. I’ve already ordered my own units through normal retail channels. As always, I don’t accept advertising from any company I review – so, if you found this review useful, consider becoming a DCR Supporter, which gets you an ad-free site, plus the behind-the-scenes video series between both myself (and my wife) on everything that happens in the DCR Sports Tech Cave/universe.

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