Garmin Instinct 3 Review – our take as TheQuantifiedScientist adds his opinion
YouTube reviewer @thequantifiedscientist provided an in-depth analysis of the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED, evaluating its design, features, battery life, and performance in GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking.
@thequantifiedscientist highlighted the watch’s rugged build and the introduction of an AMOLED display, offering a more vivid viewing experience than the traditional MIP solar model. Battery life was noted as a key trade-off, with the AMOLED version providing significantly lower endurance than the solar model. @thequantifiedscientist also pointed out the absence of a touchscreen despite the AMOLED upgrade.
Image Source The Quantified Scientist
Heart Rate Performance:
The Instinct 3 continues to use Garmin’s older Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor. It showed reasonable accuracy for steady-state activities during testing but struggled with rapid heart rate fluctuations. In indoor cycling tests, it performed adequately but was slow to track sudden changes in heart rate. Outdoor running tests showed occasional inconsistencies, mainly when heart rate changed quickly. During weightlifting, the sensor frequently underestimated peak heart rate, making it less reliable for strength training. Compared to other devices, its performance was described as mid-range, with Apple Watch, Pixel Watch 3, and some Huawei models demonstrating better accuracy.
Sleep Tracking:
The sleep tracking tests compared the Instinct 3 against the Zmax EEG headband, which measures sleep stages using brainwave activity. Deep and light sleep detection showed moderate agreement with the EEG reference, with deep sleep accuracy around 64% and light sleep at a similar level. However, REM sleep detection was less reliable, with only 33% agreement. The reviewer noted that Garmin watches generally struggle with REM sleep tracking, and the Instinct 3 followed this trend. On one test night, the watch failed to detect any REM sleep. Sleep stage tracking was consistent with other Garmin models but fell behind Fitbit, Apple Watch, and the Oura Ring.
Our Take Out
Garmin’s Instinct 3 AMOLED maintains durability and GPS reliability, introducing a brighter display. However, this review and others raise concerns about the lack of a touchscreen, the older heart rate sensor, and the sleep tracking limitations. While the watch performed well for outdoor tracking and general fitness, those requiring precise heart rate or sleep data may find better alternatives in competing brands.