Garmin has quietly released the Instinct 3 series, introducing several new models with a variety of features and display options. This release includes direct successors to the Instinct 2 as well as a more affordable model named the Instinct E. The new Instinct smartwatches come with a ‘metal reinforced’ bezel and start at $299.99.
The Instinct 3 series itself begins at $399.99, offering a 45 mm casing, solar charging, and a Memory in Pixel (MiP) display. For those seeking higher display quality, AMOLED options are available starting at $449.99, although these models generally have a shorter battery life compared to their MiP counterparts. Garmin has incorporated several new features across all Instinct 3 models.
All variants support Garmin Pay and multi-band GNSS. Both 40 mm and 45 mm sizes come with a built-in flashlight, a feature absent in the cheaper Instinct E. The Instinct 3 series also includes SatIQ functionality and recent software updates like Garmin Share.
Notably, both the Instinct E and Instinct 3 series are equipped with Garmin’s fourth-generation heart rate sensor. However, despite the announcement, these new smartwatches will not be available for order until January 10. By offering diverse options in features and pricing, Garmin continues to expand its popular Instinct line to cater to a wide range of users looking for robust, feature-rich smartwatches.
Garmin has announced the Instinct 3, which brings OLED display technology to the company’s adventure watch series. This is the last of Garmin’s major, mainstream sport watch lines to receive the OLED upgrade, following the Venu. The character of the Instinct series remains unchanged with its chunkier-looking watches and protective bezels.
However, not every Garmin Instinct 3 has an OLED screen.
Garmin expands Instinct smartwatch line
As usual, Garmin aims to cater to everyone, offering OLED models in either 45mm or 50mm diameters.
The 50mm edition boasts a 1.3-inch 416 x 416 pixel OLED screen, while the 45mm model features a 1.2-inch 390 x 390 pixel display. Despite the built-up design, the battery life for the Instinct 3 OLED variants is impressive. The larger model is rated for 24 days of use, and the smaller one for 18 days.
These figures drop to nine and seven days, respectively, if the “always on” display mode is activated. There are some clear limits to the Instinct 3 series despite the technological shift. These watches aren’t designed for music playback; they will only control music played on your phone.
Additionally, they do not support map downloads. However, the Instinct 3 does support courses, allowing routes to be planned on the Garmin Connect app and synced to the watch for breadcrumb trail navigation. The series also features excellent water resistance with a 10ATM rating and an improved bezel design compared to previous models.
The Instinct 3 OLED uses a mix of aluminum and “fiber-reinforced polymer” instead of just plastic. For those not interested in OLED displays, there are two key options within the Instinct family. The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the only model with solar charging, featuring a classic transflective panel with the series’s traditional “two window” style.
It’s a 50mm diameter watch with a battery life rated at 40 days, or “unlimited” with sufficient sunlight exposure. Many will also be interested in the Instinct E, which is more affordable but lacks the metal bezel elements and LED flashlight seen in other Instinct 3 models. Here’s the pricing for the Instinct 3 models:
– Instinct 3 OLED 45mm: $449
– Instinct 3 OLED 50mm: $499
– Instinct 3 Solar 50mm: $449
– Instinct E 40mm: $299
All models will be available to order from Garmin starting January 10.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
