Garmin Instinct 3 Review: Elevate Your Adventure Experience

I have a confession to make: I’ve never climbed a rock wall and honestly had no plans to do so. However, when Garmin invited me to take a short break from the CES 2025 grind to try out a pair of its newest rugged smartwatches, I agreed, if only for the chance to try out one, the Solar Instinct 3 with battery life that will last forever.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin Instinct 3 rugged watches have bold, even aggressive looks and seem more than up to the task of surviving a rock climbing wall fall (Editor’s note: Nobody fell). There’s the new solar-powered model featuring a non-touch monochrome display surrounded by a metal band that further protects the watch and its screen, most of which is covered by a transparent solar panel. This design ensures a robust and durable product that meets outdoor enthusiasts’ needs.

Display Features

The display options available in the Garmin Instinct 3 lineup are impressive:

• Monochrome Display: The solar model features a rugged, non-touch monochrome display, primarily designed for outdoor visibility.
• AMOLED Screen: The AMOLED variant offers a vivid and colorful display with superior brightness and clarity.
• Battery Efficiency: While the Solar Instinct 3 can run indefinitely with enough sunlight, the AMOLED version can last up to 24 days on a single charge.

While navigating through the interface may be a bit tricky initially, especially if you’re accustomed to touch screens, you’ll find it intuitive after some use. The readouts on both watches are clear, allowing easy glances while engaged in activities.

Activity Tracking and Features

Both models come packed with a deep well of activity-tracking options, allowing users to track various workouts including climbing. Notably:

• Multi-Sport Modes: You can add more activities if your preferred workout isn’t listed.
• Sleep Tracking: Wear these watches comfortably at night to monitor your sleep patterns, a core part of their health tracking features.
• Daily Battery Score: The watches provide a daily battery level score that helps you decide if you should adjust your wellness or fitness activities.

I wore the larger 50mm versions, yet found them surprisingly comfortable given their rugged appearance. I managed to track my climb on a V0 difficulty wall using both the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar and the AMOLED variant, giving me valuable insights into my performance.

Navigation Capabilities

When it comes to navigation, the Garmin Instinct 3 watches do not disappoint:

• GPS Functionality: Both models include GPS features that enhance outdoor navigation.
• No Microphone or Speaker: These devices lack microphones, meaning you won’t receive calls but still get typical notifications from other apps.
• Built-In Flashlight: A practical feature, the built-in flashlight allows users to navigate in low-light conditions, easily adjusting brightness settings with button presses.

Being equipped with robust navigation tools makes these watches ideal for anyone who enjoys exploring varied terrains.

Battery Life and Performance

The standout feature of both the Solar and AMOLED versions is their remarkable battery life:

• Solar Model: Runs indefinitely in the presence of adequate sunlight.
• AMOLED Model: Provides an impressive 24 days of battery life on a single charge.
• Comfort for Extended Wear: Both models are comfortable enough for extended use, including overnight wear for sleep tracking.

This exceptional battery performance encourages adventurous users to wear them continuously without the hassle of frequent charging.

Pricing and Availability

In terms of pricing, the Garmin Instinct 3 radiant offering starts at:

• Solar Line: Begins at $399.99
• AMOLED Version: Starts at $449.99

These prices place the Garmin Instinct 3 within the realm of affordable rugged smartwatches compared to some higher-end models like the Apple Ultra. Although the lower price means sacrificing detailed topographical maps, users still benefit from GPS and essential navigation features.

Overall, during my short experience with both watches—mostly comprised of straightforward climbs—I was impressed with how they felt on my wrist and the functionality they offered. With their dazzling displays, exceptional battery life, and robust construction, the Garmin Instinct 3 smartwatches are excellent contenders for those seeking performance without breaking the bank.