
Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 0.9” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).
A: Yes it is. Especially paired with the Garmin App. It gives great details about waves ridden, length and time of wave and speed.
Q: Can I replace the watch strap?
A: undefined
Q: Does it give you avg. heart rate for the activity?
A: undefined
Q: Can you respond to text messages
A: Sadly no you can not
Q: Does the watch sync up with android and Samsung phones? Does it sync up with various Google apps?
A: Yes - but limited. Bluetooth connected with my Samsung. Notifications are synced. Limited interaction with those notifications, depending on the app it's from.
A: The Instinct 3 Solar is available in Black, Green/Grey, Grey/Orange or Orange/Grey. Thank you for choosing Garmin. For further assistance please contact us at [email protected] or visit our Support Center, https://support.garmin.com/en-US/. Garmin

Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 0.9” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).

Instinct 3 is the rugged 45 mm GPS smartwatch with a 1.2” AMOLED display, a built-in flashlight and up to 18 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).

fēnix 7X Pro Solar is the ultimate multisport GPS smartwatch with a large 1.4” display, designed to perform all day, every day. Get weeks of battery life with the Power Glass solar charging lens. Meet any challenge with advanced training features such as hill score, which measures your climbing performance over time, and real-time stamina updates to gauge your stamina potential. For a more complete picture of your health, training and recovery, tap in to 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with advanced sleep tracking, HRV status, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). When the sun sets, use the LED flashlight to stay visible or find your way. Take an ECG from your wrist when you want (not available in all regions; must be 22 years or older). Download TopoActive maps from around the world to keep your explorations on track. Navigate on the slopes with 2,000 preloaded ski resort maps worldwide. Adventure far off the grid with up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging in 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day. Gain superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life, thanks to multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology.

Instinct 3 is the rugged 50 mm GPS smartwatch with a 1.1” display, built-in flashlight and unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions). With bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens, it can take on your toughest adventures. It’s engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated. To keep you on track, the Instinct 3 smartwatch includes a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Plus, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life. Its 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries). Instinct 3 also includes Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported bank).
| Pros for Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Black Band - (2025) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Customers are positive about the Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch, frequently praising its exceptional battery life and the surprisingly useful built-in flashlight. Many appreciate the overall performance and the added convenience of solar charging, while the GPS functionality also receives positive feedback. There were no negative customer comments reported.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
The improved contast is worth it personally. There is almost no difference between the elevate 4 and 5 sensor on my wrist so I do not care its the “old sensor”. All of these instinct watches, and quite frankly all fitness/sports/smartwatches have their issues, quirks and glitches. This one requires proper updating through Garmin Express to get the battery life to display properly. The orange accents do not bother me like I thought they might. They are subtle and gives it some character. I can not use silicone or rubber watch straps. The Ultrafit nylon straps are incredibly comfortable and create a better fit and adjustment. I typically disable all features except for HR and full charge gets 31 days with one or two activites tracked. Solar charging is incredible compared to prior gen.
Posted by USMC1108A
Well worth the money! I work outside all day and enjoy the solar charging. It has a ton of exercises to choose from to track. I have only used it at work and a couple bike rides but I haven’t begun to use it to its full capability. The torch light is really convenient when you need both hands to work on something at night. Or just getting a drink of water in the middle of the night. I’ve had a fitbit watches for ten years and this blows them out of the water.
Posted by JoshuaF
This is a great watch! Upgraded from the instinct first edition and it was well worth the price. I use the flashlight all the time. Who would have thought it would be so handy? My wife calls it my super power. LOL Battery life is even better than the first series. With pulse oxygen on for monitoring sleep i get 19 days battery life.
Posted by David