Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Review: Sturdy Design Combined with Lively Display
The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED represents the newest development in Garmin’s well-known series of tough outdoor smartwatches. Renowned for their resilience and extended battery longevity, the Instinct line has usually targeted explorers and fitness lovers who emphasize functionality over aesthetics. With the introduction of the Instinct 3, Garmin includes a striking AMOLED display in the collection, intending to improve usability while keeping the core strengths of the lineup intact. But does this latest model find the perfect harmony between toughness and contemporary smartwatch attributes?
Android Central’s Verdict: 4 out of 5 Stars
Android Central granted the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED a commendable 4-star rating, underscoring its remarkable battery performance, robust construction, and enhanced display. Nonetheless, the review highlighted certain downsides, such as outdated sensors and the lack of offline maps—an unusual shortcoming for a watch tailored for outdoor activities.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Outstanding Battery Life: Even without solar technology, the Instinct 3 AMOLED offers weeks of battery life, making it perfect for longer excursions.
– AMOLED Display: The upgraded display provides vivid colors and heightened clarity, particularly indoors, compared to earlier MIP screens.
– Sturdy Construction: With military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810) and 10ATM water resistance, this watch is designed to endure harsh conditions.
– Reliable GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring: Garmin’s trusted tracking capabilities are included, featuring dual-band GPS and the Elevate v4 heart rate sensor.
– Integrated Flashlight: A useful LED flashlight adds functionality for nighttime usage.
– Comfortable Wear: Despite its hefty look, the watch is unexpectedly comfortable to wear.
Cons:
– Lack of Touchscreen: Navigation depends on physical buttons, which can seem slow and outdated.
– Older Sensors: The Instinct 3 continues to use Garmin’s Elevate v4 sensor, missing out on updated functionalities like ECG and skin temperature monitoring.
– Absence of Offline Maps: For a watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, the lack of downloadable topographical maps is a notable drawback.
– Limited Smart Features: No music storage, voice assistant, or Bluetooth calling.
Design and Display
The Instinct 3 AMOLED maintains the robust, hefty appearance of its predecessors while presenting a more polished look with an aluminum bezel and a high-resolution AMOLED screen. The display is non-touch, which may deter users who are used to swiping and tapping. However, the AMOLED enhancement greatly boosts readability and facilitates more detailed data visualization directly on the watch.
Battery Life and Performance
Garmin has a longstanding reputation for battery efficiency, and the Instinct 3 AMOLED upholds that legacy. The 50mm model guarantees up to 24 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode with multi-band tracking. The 45mm variant is slightly less enduring but remains impressive. The built-in flashlight is a practical feature but can quickly deplete the battery if frequently used.
In terms of performance, the Instinct 3 is quicker than the Instinct 2 but still trails behind Garmin’s high-end models like the Fenix 8. The AMOLED edition benefits from 4GB of memory, enabling smoother functioning and enhanced support for new features.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Instinct 3 incorporates Garmin’s comprehensive array of fitness tools, such as:
– VO2 Max
– Training Load and Training Status
– Daily Workout Suggestions
– Sleep Score and Sleep Coach
– HRV Status and Body Battery
– Advanced running and cycling dynamics
While the Elevate v4 sensor is accurate for the majority of users, it lacks the advanced functionalities of the newer Elevate v5 sensor seen in higher-end models. For those requiring precise heart rate readings, pairing with a chest strap or optical armband is advisable.
Software and Smart Features
Garmin’s software ecosystem remains formidable, providing detailed insights and training support. However, the Instinct 3 AMOLED falls short in smart functionalities. There’s no onboard music storage, support for third-party applications, or voice assistant. Additionally, Garmin does not include a free trial of its new Connect Plus subscription, which provides extra insights and AI-assisted features.
Competition
The Instinct 3 AMOLED competes against a variety of other Garmin and non-Garmin models:
– Garmin Forerunner 265: Provides similar training tools with a sleeker design and touchscreen.
– Garmin Fenix 8: Higher priced but includes offline maps, touchscreen, and advanced sensors.
– COROS PACE Pro: A budget-friendly option with offline maps and extended battery life.
– Polar and Suunto watches: Deliver competitive tracking features but may lack the depth of Garmin’s ecosystem.
Should You Purchase the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED?
Buy It If:
– You require a sturdy, long-lasting fitness watch.
– You appreciate Garmin’s training tools and aren’t deterred by limited smart features.
– You favor a bright, vibrant display over solar power.
Skip It If
