Garmin Instinct 3 Series Hands-On: Everything you need to know!
Garmin Instinct 3 Series Hands-On: Everything you need to know!

Garmin has just announced the much-anticipated Instinct 3 series, including the Instinct E and the new HRM-200. The Instinct 3 takes the core features of the Instinct 2 series and enhances them with an option for AMOLED displays alongside the traditional MIP display. This move mirrors the same shift Garmin made with the Fenix 8 earlier this year. For those seeking a more affordable choice, the Instinct E serves as a budget-friendly alternative.
Key Highlights:
The standout feature of the Instinct 3 is the AMOLED display, which offers a more vibrant and customizable option while maintaining the rugged, outdoor-oriented design. Additionally, Garmin has expanded the LED flashlight feature to both the smaller and larger models, whereas the larger Instinct 2X was the only one to offer this previously. The Instinct 3 also incorporates several minor features previously exclusive to the Solar or Tactical editions, such as Garmin Pay.
However, this isn't a full review yet—stay tuned for my in-depth testing, where I'll be pushing the device through some serious sports and adventure activities to see if it's worth the investment.
What's New in the Instinct 3:
AMOLED Display Option: Vibrant, customizable display.
Enhanced Solar Charging: Now 5x more powerful than the Instinct 2 Solar.
Flashlight Feature: Available on both 45mm and 50mm models.
Larger Display Sizes: AMOLED models feature larger screens—1.2” (45mm) and 1.3” (50mm).
Increased Display Contrast: Solar models get a 2x contrast boost.
Metal Bezel: Added reinforcement to the bezel.
Multiband/Dual-Frequency GNSS: Now available across all models.
New Wellness Features: Includes Hill Score, Endurance Score, Training Load Focus, and Training Load Ratio.
Sports Features: Auto-transition for Multisport/Triathlon activities.
Strength Training Enhancements: Muscle Map and Workout Animations (AMOLED models).
New Color Options: Fresh designs to choose from.
Pricing:
AMOLED Models:
45mm: $449
50mm: $499
Solar Models:
45mm: $399
50mm: $449
Instinct E:
40mm: $299
45mm: $299
Battery Life: Garmin claims impressive battery performance across both the AMOLED and Solar models.
Notable Gaps:
Despite its upgrades, there are two significant drawbacks:
Absence of Garmin Elevate V5 Optical HR Sensor: In a market where competitors are including this technology, it’s surprising to see Garmin leave it out, even on the $500 models.
No Maps: While the Instinct 3 supports routing and navigation, there are no downloadable maps—something Garmin’s competitors manage in the $200-$350 range. The device has 3.7GB of storage, but 2.7GB is used by the OS and features, leaving little space for maps.
No Touchscreen: The AMOLED edition, in particular, could benefit from a touchscreen, especially as Garmin crams more information into the display.
AMOLED vs. MIP: Side-by-Side Comparison:
Display Differences: The Solar/MIP models continue to use a smaller display with a mini-window for extra data, whereas the AMOLED edition maximizes screen space with rich, full-color displays.
Flashlight: Available on both sizes (45mm and 50mm) of the Instinct 3, but not on the Instinct E.
SatIQ and Multiband GNSS: The Instinct 3 boasts these advanced features, optimizing satellite connectivity based on your environment to conserve battery.
Wrap-Up:
The release of the Instinct 3 was anticipated after Garmin’s previous moves in the wearable space, and the new models reflect the company’s pattern of adopting features from higher-end devices and bringing them to mid-range models. The Instinct 3 packs a solid upgrade to its rugged design, now with better displays and more advanced health and fitness features.
However, as with all Garmin products, you’ll need to decide whether the lack of maps, touchscreen, and optical HR sensor is a dealbreaker. The new solar charging capabilities are worth watching closely in upcoming reviews, as Garmin’s past claims have occasionally fallen short.