Garmin Instinct 3 Review: An Overview from correrunamaraton.com

Today, we saw triathlete.com’s review of Garmin Instinct 3, and now one of the best-known Spanish sports bloggers weighs in with a view from Correrunamaraton.com. Garmin has introduced the Instinct 3, expanding its multisport watch lineup with new display options, updated sensors, and increased solar charging capabilities. The latest iteration follows the structure of the Fenix 8 series, offering multiple variants, including an AMOLED display model, a solar-powered version, and a budget-friendly entry-level option.

New Features and Enhancements

The Instinct 3 maintains Garmin’s rugged design, now reinforced with an internal aluminium frame. A key update includes a built-in flashlight across all sizes, previously limited to larger models. The device also introduces dual-band satellite reception with SatIQ for improved GPS accuracy and Garmin Pay support.

The solar-powered variant has an upgraded solar charging panel, which Garmin claims can provide unlimited battery life in optimal conditions. The AMOLED version, available in 45mm and 50mm sizes, features a high-contrast display but does not support touch input, a decision likely made to maintain consistency with the solar model.

Additional software features include sleep tracking, training status analysis, and Garmin Share functionality. However, no significant software innovations exist beyond those already introduced in previous Garmin models.

Source correrunamaraton.com

Limitations and Concerns

Despite its improvements, the Instinct 3 lacks several standard features in competing devices. The absence of built-in maps is a notable omission, especially considering the watch’s intended use for outdoor activities. Other brands like Suunto and COROS offer mapping capabilities in similarly priced models.

Additionally, Instinct 3 continues to use Garmin’s older Elevate v4 optical heart rate sensor rather than the newer v5 version, which offers enhanced accuracy and ECG functionality. While the AMOLED display improves readability, disabling touch controls may limit usability.

Pricing is another potential drawback. The Instinct 3 AMOLED starts at €449, with the solar version at €399. In contrast, previous Instinct models have seen significant price reductions, making them a more cost-effective option for many users.

Conclusion

The Instinct 3 represents a logical update to the series, integrating new hardware features and incremental software improvements. However, its higher price point and lack of certain expected functionalities may impact its appeal, particularly for users seeking navigation capabilities or advanced sensor technology.

The solar variant may be the most practical choice for those prioritising battery life and durability. However, given the increasing competition in the multisport watch market, potential buyers may find better value in previous Instinct models or alternative brands.

(This article summarises Eduardo Mateos’ review from Correrunamaraton)