Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Review – Our take on the views of @TheRunTesters
Nick, Kieran, Michael and Tom operate the YouTube channel @TheRunTesters, offering an interesting viewpoint combined from four runners. Here is a summary of what they say, followed by our take.
The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED introduces a colour screen to the Instinct lineup, following Garmin’s trend of expanding AMOLED displays across its range. Alongside this display upgrade, several changes from the Instinct 2 series exist. This review will outline the key updates, performance aspects, and whether Instinct 3 is a good choice for runners.
Models and Pricing
Like Garmin’s Fenix series, the Instinct 3 is available in two versions: one with solar charging and another with an AMOLED screen. Opting for AMOLED increases the cost. The two case sizes remain the same as the Instinct 2 but now feature larger displays. However, the AMOLED version does not include a touchscreen.
The Instinct 3 maintains the same waterproofing as its predecessor while offering more built-in storage. It also includes Garmin’s latest multi-band GPS technology, SatIQ mode, improved strength training features, multisport tracking, and enhanced sleep monitoring. However, full mapping support is absent.
The user interface has been updated, retaining the sub-display and allowing access to the Connect IQ store. Garmin’s PacePro and Grade-Adjusted Pace metrics are now included on the running front.
Battery life for the 45mm AMOLED version is up to 18 days in smartwatch mode or seven days with the always-on display. Expedition GPS mode extends battery life to 16 days. The solar version offers greater longevity.
Source @TheRuntesters
Design and Display
The Instinct 3 retains its rugged aesthetic, appealing to those who prefer a G-Shock-style watch. Despite its chunky build, it remains lightweight, making it comfortable for daily wear, though some users may find it too bulky for sleep tracking.
The AMOLED screen is a welcome addition, offering improved readability and vibrancy compared to the memory-in-pixel display. Although it lacks the size and impact of other Garmin AMOLED screens, it enhances the overall usability. The variety of colour options adds to the watch’s appeal.
GPS Accuracy and Battery Performance
GPS accuracy is a strong point, consistently performing in line with high-end models like the Fenix 8 and Coros Pace Pro 2. Testing showed minimal discrepancies in distance tracking. The watch’s multiband GPS mode ensures high accuracy while maintaining excellent battery life.
Even with the always-on display and daily runs using multiband GPS, the 45mm AMOLED version lasted a full week on a single charge. Battery life can be further extended by disabling the always-on mode or opting for the solar model.
Features and Performance
The Instinct 3 is a solid alternative to the Fenix series, offering rugged durability without the bulk. The AMOLED display enhances usability, though its smaller size is a trade-off for increased comfort.
Garmin’s extensive customisation options allow users to personalise watch faces, sports modes, stat screens, widgets, and power settings. The software is intuitive and retains the familiarity of Garmin’s ecosystem, though it lacks the newest interface found on the Fenix 8.
Areas for Improvement
- Heart Rate Accuracy: The Instinct 3 lacks Garmin’s latest Gen 5 heart rate sensor, leading to less reliable readings, especially in cold conditions.
- Lack of Touchscreen: While not essential, the absence of touchscreen functionality feels like a missed opportunity, given the AMOLED display.
- No Full Mapping Support: Many similarly priced competitors offer offline maps, making this a significant omission for an adventure-focused watch.
- Limited Music Support: No offline Spotify storage is available, which could be inconvenient for users who prefer phone-free workouts.
- Button Design: The flatter buttons can be challenging to use, especially with gloves.
- No ClimbPro Feature: Missing from this model, despite being beneficial for trail and mountain runners.
Verdict
TheRunTesters agree with what we’ve already heard from @dcrainmaker, @the5krunner and others. Specifically, the areas for improvement highlighted in the previous section seem to form the consensus view.
Check out their full review at Youtube