Garmin Instinct 3

An outstanding release of 2025, and this is a promising one, because it arrives ready to make a leap in quality in one of the series of Garmin smartwatches that is increasingly gaining more followers. The updated Garmin Instinct 3 is the new bet of the American brand to put a perfect companion at your disposal to enjoy an active lifestyle.

On your wrist you will wear a renewed Garmin Instinct 3 GPS sportswatch with a bolder design, innovations that improve its autonomy and a series of functionalities that increase its reliability and user experience.

One of the most striking aspects of this new Garmin Instinct 3 is that as a user you have the possibility to choose between AMOLED screen or a monochrome transflective screen with solar charging. A detail that allows you to adjust to different preferences and needs. On the other hand, this third version of the Instinct also brings with it a reinforced metallic bezel for greater durability and an integrated LED flashlight in all versions, something that is appreciated in low light situations or night workouts.

What you should keep in mind about the Garmin Instinct 3

You already know that the Instinct family has always been characterized by its rugged and adventurous spirit, and this new Instinct 3 version is no exception. This model continues to meet MIL-STD 810 military resistance standards, withstands shocks, extreme temperatures and is waterproof up to 10 ATM, which is equivalent to depths of 100 meters. In addition to all this, it has a renewed design that gives it a more modern touch, without sacrificing the essence that has positioned the Instinct series as a favorite choice for athletes and adventurers.

It is also worth noting that Garmin has been able to improve one of the aspects most valued by users of heart rate monitors & sports watches: autonomy.

• In the versions with AMOLED screen, you can reach up to 24 days of duration in smartwatch mode.
• Models with solar charging have the potential to achieve unlimited battery life, taking advantage of the sun's energy when certain levels of light exposure are met. A factor that is very interesting for prolonged outings, expeditions or for those who want to forget about the charger for long periods.

If your day-to-day life combines intense workouts, adventure travel and health and wellness routines, Garmin s Instinct 3 offers integrated tools to help you monitor parameters such as heart rate, advanced sleep, energy levels and even specific functions for cycling, golf, fishing and many other sports disciplines. Plus, its rugged yet stylish design allows you to take it from the gym to the office without looking out of place, especially thanks to its new color combinations and limited editions.

The Garmin Instinct 3 promises to be the ultimate watch for those who value endurance, functionality and versatility without sacrificing modern aesthetics. Whether you are a regular runner, a hiking enthusiast or a rowing fanatic, this model aims to cover all the bases so that you do not have to change devices depending on the activity you perform.

Main new features and characteristics of the Garmin Instinct 3

Garmin's Instinct 3 stands out for the wide range of improvements and new features it incorporates. As I told you earlier, the starting point would be that choice between a bright AMOLED screen and vivid colors, or a monochrome transflective screen with Solar capability, makes a fundamental difference when prioritizing aesthetics or autonomy.

Rugged design with metallized bezel

• Garmin has opted to reinforce this device with a metallized bezel that improves its durability and gives it a more solid appearance.
• The casing maintains the fiber-reinforced polymer, a material that stands out for its resistance to impacts and scratches.
• Military certifications in thermal and impact resistance, along with 10 ATM certification for use in water.

LED flashlight integrated in all models

One of the most useful and surprising new features is the incorporation of an LED flashlight in every Instinct 3 model. Something that Garmin already incorporates as standard in its Premium GPS watches such as the Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Enduro 3

Importantly, it offers multiple levels of intensity, red light and strobe mode to provide additional safety in low visibility conditions.

Exceptional autonomy

The version with AMOLED display achieves up to 24 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Thus, and in this version, the battery modes are as follows:

• Smartwatch: up to 18 days / 7 days (always on).
• Energy saving mode: up to 24 days.
• GPS only: up to 32 hours.
• GPS: up to 25 hours.
• All satellite systems + multiband: up to 23 hours (normal use of SatIQ technology).
• GPS with maximum battery usage: up to 68 hours.
• Expedition GPS: up to 16 days.

The Solar model of the Garmin Instinct 3 can have virtually unlimited battery life, provided sun exposure conditions are suitable. In fact, the addition of a larger, more efficient solar glass exceeds the performance of the Instinct 2 Solar in the GPS mode.

• Smartwatch: up to 28 days/unlimited with solar charging.
• Power-saving mode: up to 65 days/unlimited with solar charging.
• GPS only: Up to 40 hours/130 hours with solar charging function.
• All satellite systems: Up to 28 hours/50 hours with solar charging function.
• All satellite and multi-band systems: Up to 24 hours/40 hours with solar charging.
• GPS with maximum battery usage: up to 100 hours/unlimited with solar charging.
• Expedition GPS: up to 36 days/unlimited with solar charging.

24/7 health and wellness

• Offers continuous heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, wrist-based Pulse Ox and heart rate variability (HRV) status.
• It has specific features for women's health, such as menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, with additional exercise and nutrition advice.
• Morning Report: when you wake up, you will receive personalized information about your sleep quality and HRV status.

Sports apps for everything

Profiles for hiking, running, cycling, golf, fishing or skiing come pre-installed, but also add options such as HIIT, paddle tennis, basketball and more.

Adaptive, pre-designed training plans with Garmin Coach and the ability to create step-by-step workouts with more than 1,600 exercises available on the Garmin Connect app.

Multi-band GPS with SatIQ

Enables superior positioning accuracy without sacrificing too much battery power. Perfect for challenging environments where traditional satellite coverage may be compromised.

Connected features and security

• Smart notifications, calls and alerts linked to your compatible smartphone (iOS or Android).
• IntegratedGarmin Messenger for sending and receiving two-way text messages directly on the watch.
• Garmin Pay for contactless payments in stores and public transportation.
• Incident detection, LiveTrack and assistance, providing peace of mind to users and their families.

Together, all these features put the Instinct 3 a step further in the segment of smart watches oriented to adventure and fitness, adding an arsenal of functions aimed at those looking to make the most out of every second of your day.

Type of user and recommended uses of the Garmin Instinct 3

Now, from RUNNEA we give you the answer to the key question: Is the new Garmin Instinct 3 an ideal smartwatch for you? We'll give you a resounding 'yes', if you meet the following requirements:

You are looking for maximum endurance and longevity.

You're someone who puts your sports watch to the test in any environment - mountain, beach, snow - and you need a device that can withstand impacts, extreme temperatures and inclement weather. MIL-STD 810 certification and 10 ATM waterproofing ensure that the watch can withstand use in the harshest conditions, whether kayaking, hiking or diving.

You want advanced sports and health features

You practice multiple disciplines, from hiking to cycling, paddle boarding to skiing, and you want to have specific profiles on your wrist.

You value heart rate, sleep, VO2 max, oxygen saturation and HRV measurements . You also need detailed information on your recovery time and fitness status.

Tired of charging your watch too often?

The Garmin Instinct 3, especially if we are talking about its Solar version, is designed for those who want to forget about the charger for long periods.

If you are also one of those who love technology and the AMOLED screen, but do not want to give up a great autonomy, the Instinct 3 in its AMOLED variant does not fall short either with its 24 days in smartwatch mode.

You appreciate the robust aesthetics, but with color and modern design.

The Instinct 3 series offers versions in 45 mm (Solar version) and 50 mm (AMOLED version), with editions in classic shades and others in bold colors. You're sure to find one that fits your personal style.

The metallic bezel gives it a more modern feel, while maintaining the "adventure watch" look.

You need an "all-in-one" watch

Finally, are you a mountain and outdoor sports enthusiast, but you also move around town and are looking to make payments without taking out your wallet? Garmin Pay solves this part for you.

You want to stay connected with notifications, messages and calls, and at the same time you want GPS tracking on your outings. The Garmin Instinct 3 covers all those needs with a single device.

Why is the Garmin Instinct 3 the ultimate choice you're looking for?

The main argument in favor of the Garmin Instinct 3 is that it brings together the fundamental pillars for a demanding user/sportsman: resistance, autonomy, variety of sports and health functions, as well as a renewed design that does not clash with more formal environments. The combination of an AMOLED or Solar display with a reinforced bezel and the inclusion of an LED flashlight puts this GPS watch a step ahead of many direct rivals.

The ruggedness of its construction, certified to military standards, gives you the confidence to take it on any adventure. Meanwhile, its wide range of sporting applications - from the more traditional ones, such as running or swimming, to mountain, hiking or fishing activities - and its 24/7 health monitoring, make it an indispensable ally to keep you in tune with your body and your environment.

If you're also attracted to the idea of having communication tools like Garmin Messenger and the ability to share your location data and workouts with Garmin Share, you'll find it especially appealing. And we can't overlook the peace of mind that comes with incident detection and LiveTrack features.

Garmin Instinct 3 Pricing and Availability

Just know that different versions of the Garmin Instinct 3 will be available starting January 10th, 2025. You can find it in multiple color combinations ranging from dark and discreet tones to limited editions with more intense tones to reinforce that personal style with which you can complement your personal image.

• Garmin Instinct 3 with AMOLED display: starting at 449,99€ as suggested retail price, depending on the chosen configurations.
• Garmin Instinct 3 Solar: with a base price starting at €399.99, positioned as a very competitive alternative for the user who wants to maximize the autonomy of the watch.
• Garmin Instinct E: the most affordable version for €299.99, and with which you will have in your hands a rugged sports watch with GPS and the essential functions you need for your most active lifestyle.

In one way or another, the renewal of the Garmin Instinct 3 offers an "all-terrain" GPS sports watch behavior and performance. If you want to acquire a rugged, functional device, with integrated flashlight and an offer of applications suitable for both advanced sports practice and for day to day, you will hardly find an option that offers a set of features as complete as this Instinct 3.