Garmin Instinct 3 Review – A Triathlete.com’s Perspective
The Garmin Instinct 3 series introduces solar and AMOLED models, catering to endurance athletes with a focus on battery life and multisport functionality. The solar version maintains extensive battery performance, while the AMOLED version provides a high-resolution display at the cost of reduced battery longevity. Both versions include a built-in LED flashlight and support for various training modes, including triathlon and open-water swimming. Let’s quickly dive into triathlete.com‘s view from a triathlete’s perspective.
Key Features
- Solar Model: Offers extended battery life, multisport tracking, and a durable design.
- AMOLED Model: Features a high-resolution display but lacks a touchscreen and has a reduced battery lifespan.
- LED Flashlight: Present in all models, enhancing usability in low-light conditions.
- Multisport Capabilities: Includes triathlon mode, brick workouts, and cycling power connectivity.
- Limitations: Lacks offline maps and onboard music storage; the solar model has limited internal storage.
Source triathlete.com
Competitive Comparison
| Feature | Instinct 3 Solar (45mm) | Instinct 3 AMOLED (50mm) | Coros Pace Pro | Suunto Race S | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 | $500 | $350 | $350 | $450 |
| Weight | 52g | 59g | 49g | 60g | 83g |
| Screen | 23mm Monochrome M IP, 176×176 | 33mm AMOLED (not touch), 416×416 | 33mm AMOLED Touch, 416×416 | 34mm AMOLED Touch, 466×466 | 37mm AMOLED Touch, 466×466 |
| Battery Life | 28 days – unlimited smartwatch, 24-40+ hours GPS | 9 days smartwatch (always-on), 30 hours GPS | 6 days smartwatch (always-on), 24-31 hours GPS | 7 days smartwatch, 30 hours GPS | 26 days smartwatch, 40+ hours GPS |
| Battery Life | 20-25 days+ | 9-12 days | 5-6 days | 5-7 days | 12-20 days |
| Open-Water Swimming | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cycling With Power Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Running With Power | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In |
| Triathlon Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Brick Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Mapping/Navigation | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 128 MB | 4 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 16/32 GB |
| GPS | Multi-band | Multi-band | Multi-band | Multi-band | Multi-band |
| Onboard Music | No, smartphone control only | No, smartphone c ontrol only | Yes, no smartphone control | No, smartphone control only | No, smartphone control only |
| Third-Party Apps | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Triathlete.com’s Conclusion
The Garmin Instinct 3 series provides options for athletes prioritising battery life and durability. The solar model is well-suited for users who need extended battery performance, while the AMOLED model offers a more visually engaging display. However, both models lack offline mapping and onboard music storage, which may be a consideration for some users. The built-in LED flashlight and multisport tracking make them strong contenders in the endurance smartwatch category. Compared to competitors, the Instinct 3 models hold their ground in durability and core tracking features but may not be the best choice for those needing mapping or touchscreen functionality.
For more smartwatch reviews, visit Triathlete.com.
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