A simpler approach to Adventure Time

On any typical day, I’m more of a “more” type of person when it comes to my GPS watch. I’m wearing Garmin’s incredible outfit Fenix ​​​​8 AMOLED almost religiously since it was launched a few months ago, and I have yet to find anything it can’t do. However, as a smaller guy with small wrists, there are times when Garmin’s massive, touchscreen watch is more than I need.

So when Garmin launched CES 2025 with an upgrade to the Instinct series—a smaller, easier-to-drive model I’d never used before—I jumped at the chance to try it out. I grabbed my colleague J. Scott Brown and we headed to a local Las Vegas climbing gym to get our first taste of the Garmin Instinct 3 series. Here’s how it went.

Sometimes when you get into something new smart watchIt can be hard to tell what has changed from generation to generation. This time it was a little easier. Unlike previous Instinct generations, where the small, rugged face only offered a Memory-in-Pixel (MiP) display, Garmin’s Instinct 3 series is now available as an option. AMOLED face, making it more in line with other recently updated models like the Fenix ​​and Forerunner series.

But while I’m all for a bare AMOLED panel with Garmin’s updated animations, something about the Instinct 3 gives me a little pause. Not because the new face isn’t great — it feels like a mini Fenix ​​8 — but more because it forces me to make a choice.

Part of Garmin’s expanded Instinct 3 lineup means there could be an AMOLED display or solar-powered charging, which would technically allow the Instinct 3 to last forever if given enough sunlight. If you choose the latter, you’ll have to make do with a powerful MiP display like previous Instinct models. The AMOLED model still offers 18 days from the smaller 45mm version or 24 days from the larger 50mm size, but it pales in comparison to eternal battery life.

Aside from this important display decision, the rest of Garmin’s Instinct 3 specs are the same. Neither the AMOLED nor the MiP displays offer touch controls, so you’ll have to get very comfortable with Garmin’s five-button navigation. I struggled with the transition for the first few hours with the watch, but I’m sure I’ll fix it in a day or two. As a regular Fenix ​​8 user, I didn’t realize how often I swiped up and down on its face, but now that I’ve lost the touch controls, I miss them.

Also, Garmin has upgraded the front-facing LED flashlight (called a torch on the watch itself) to standard issue on both the Solar and AMOLED versions of the Instinct 3. The flashlight was previously reserved for the Instinct 2X, so I’m glad to see it getting a bit more love – it’s something I’ve used as a GPS tracker on my last few Garmin watches.

While I did struggle a bit with the Instinct 3 AMOLED back in the day with the lack of a touchscreen, it wasn’t too much of an issue when getting started. I’ve only had a chance to use the Instinct 3 in Garmin’s bouldering mode, but with the button-based controls, starting and stopping routes is just as easy as it is on my Fenix ​​8. Instinct 3 offers support for almost all the same activities. , though there are a few changes worth noting when compared to some of Garmin’s more expensive offerings.

For starters, the Instinct 3 series doesn’t include Garmin’s latest Elevate V5 heart rate sensor. Instead, it still comes with the old – but still very good – Elevate V4. While the decision was likely driven by price (the 45mm Instinct 3 Solar starts at just $399), it still seems like an odd choice given Garmin’s heavy reliance on data and training feedback.

Also, you can’t download maps to the Garmin Instinct 3 – another odd choice for a rugged and adventurous-looking watch. When I picked up the Instinct 3, I thought it would be the perfect hiking companion thanks to its small size and well-protected face, but I’m pretty bad at the directions I almost always download from here. Strava ahead of time. I guess I can make do with the routes on my phone, although I don’t want to trip and break my legs on a run. Pixel 9 Pro. Instinct 3 does offer backtracking support, which is sort of like a map, but it only works if you’re planning a round-trip route.

If you’re after a watch that can last a while and record lots of activities with accurate GPS, the many upgrades make the Instinct 3 series a good choice. Not only has Garmin added dual-frequency GPS on both versions (previously on the Instinct 2X), it’s also adopted SatIQ, which helps the Instinct 3 switch between the most reliable and battery-saving satellite systems during your workouts. And yes, Case battery I made the cut, although mine was pretty much drained while struggling with a busy CES schedule.

A few other updates are AMOLED-specific, such as muscle mapping to monitor fatigue after a lifting workout and muscle animations to further show off the updated screen. So you’ll still have to decide what you want from your watch: a prettier face or incredible battery life.

Still, I have to say that I haven’t had enough time to do a full all-around review of the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED. I just wore it fitness oriented watch — in a gorgeous, limited-edition Neo Tropic colorway — for a few hours, but it’s made a first impression. It’s aimed at fans of the Casio G-Shock look, but also for those who want something they can wear to the climbing gym, running club, and everyday life without screaming “I love working out.”

There’s still a lot that intrigues me about Instinct 3. I’m not sure I’d really like the lack of a touchscreen, or cope without map support when preparing. trail race early next month. However, I’m hopeful that Garmin’s battery will live up to its lofty claims and allow me to spend more time without worrying about a charger.

I’m pretty optimistic about Garmin’s pricing for the Instinct 3 series, with the Solar version coming in at $399 or $449, depending on whether you grab the smaller or larger model. If you opt for the AMOLED model, it’ll cost a bit more — $449 or $499 for the 45mm or 50mm bodies, respectively — but for me, the improved face is worth the extra cost.

Garmin has also introduced another stripped-down model in its Instinct series – the Instinct E ($299.99 at Garmin). This new $299 model follows in the footsteps of the Fenix ​​E by offering a streamlined experience with a focus on fitness tracking basics and a two-week battery life — though you won’t get an AMOLED face or a solar charging ring to interrupt your experience. and LED flashlight is not standard.