Garmin Launches Instinct 3 Series: A Blend of Innovation and Endurance
Garmin continues to lead the smartwatch market with a diverse lineup, and at the forefront is the Instinct series, renowned for its exceptional battery longevity, enhanced by solar charging capabilities. Following the debut of the Instinct 2 series three years ago, Garmin has made a significant announcement at CES 2025 regarding the Instinct 3 models.
The standout feature of this latest release is the inclusion of an upgraded display. The Instinct 2 series is celebrated for its impressive battery performance, attributed largely to its low-resolution, monochrome Memory In-Pixel (MIP) displays. While these displays remain available in the Instinct 3 lineup, models featuring vibrant, full-color AMOLED screens have also been introduced (explore our comparison of MIP and AMOLED for additional insights).
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
For those choosing the monochrome MIP display variant of the Instinct 3, a larger screen size than its predecessor is a notable upgrade, along with improved solar charging capabilities. Theoretically, this offers limitless battery life for users residing in sunny locales. Garmin boasts enhancements to the solar charging panel, which can deliver over five times the battery longevity in GPS mode for the largest model when exposed to sunlight.
On the other hand, the AMOLED display option does not support solar charging and offers somewhat reduced battery longevity; however, it compensates with rich, full-color visuals. According to Garmin, the AMOLED variants can achieve up to 24 days of battery life in “smartwatch mode” — a state where most features are active without GPS usage. In contrast, the MIP Solar version can run for up to 40 days, potentially leading to scenarios where recharging is unnecessary for users who remain in favorable weather conditions.
As with the previous offerings, actual battery duration can vary based on numerous factors, so these figures should be viewed as estimates. The Instinct 3 series continues the tradition of providing multiple battery modes, allowing users to balance their preference for features and performance against battery conservation.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
Both the monochrome and AMOLED variants come in two sizes: 45mm and 50mm. Each model is equipped with a built-in flashlight and a durable metal bezel. First introduced in the Instinct 2X, the flashlight is now standard across the entire Instinct 3 series and includes a strobe function, which could prove valuable for visibility during evening jogs.
For budget-conscious buyers, Garmin has introduced a more economical Instinct E model. This version, available in 40mm and 45mm sizes, features the monochrome MIP display but lacks solar charging, the flashlight, and the metal bezel. Nevertheless, it retains many of the same fitness tracking and navigation functionalities, making it an appealing option for those who prefer the Garmin Instinct style at a lower price point.
As expected, the Instinct 3 series inherits the standard features users appreciate, such as a water resistance rating of 10 ATM and rugged MIL-STD 810 military-grade thermal and shock protection. The distinctive screen layout remains on the MIP options (and is available as a feature on the AMOLED watch faces), which includes a smaller display section for various statistics or indicators.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
No new sensors accompany the Instinct 3 lineup, but the current offerings still cater to a wide array of health and fitness metrics, including heart rate variability and blood oxygen levels, alongside GPS tracking and compass navigation. Users can also enjoy contactless payment options and notifications from their smartphones.
