Garmin Instinct 2 Solar vs. Garmin Instinct 3 Solar

Attribute	Garmin Instinct 2 Solar	Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Price	$399.99	$449.99
Battery Life	Up to 38 hours	Up to 56 days
Solar Charging	Yes	Yes
GPS	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate Monitor	Yes	Yes

Design

Both the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar are rugged smartwatches designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The Instinct 2 Solar features a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a silicone strap, while the Instinct 3 Solar has a similar design but with a nylon strap option. Both watches have a 45mm case size and a 22mm band width, making them suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. The Instinct 2 Solar comes in a range of colors, including Graphite, Lichen Green, and Flame Red, while the Instinct 3 Solar offers colors like Graphite, Tundra, and Clay.

Display

When it comes to the display, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar both feature a 1.3-inch sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. This type of display is designed to be easily readable in bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The Instinct 2 Solar has a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels, while the Instinct 3 Solar boasts a higher resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. Both watches also have a chemically strengthened glass lens for added durability.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of both the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is their solar charging capabilities. The Instinct 2 Solar offers up to 38 hours of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging, while the Instinct 3 Solar extends this to 24 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging. This means that users can rely on the sun to keep their watch powered up during extended outdoor adventures, reducing the need for frequent recharging. Both watches also have customizable power manager modes to help optimize battery life based on usage.

Activity Tracking

Both the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar are equipped with a range of activity tracking features to help users stay on top of their fitness goals. These include built-in sports apps for activities like running, cycling, swimming, and more. The watches also have advanced performance metrics for activities such as VO2 max, heart rate variability, and training load. In addition, users can track their daily steps, calories burned, and sleep quality to get a comprehensive overview of their overall health and wellness.

Navigation

For outdoor enthusiasts, navigation features are essential, and both the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar deliver in this area. These watches come equipped with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for accurate tracking of outdoor activities. They also have a built-in 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and gyroscope for reliable navigation in challenging environments. Users can create and follow routes, mark waypoints, and track their location in real-time, making these watches ideal companions for hiking, trail running, and other outdoor pursuits.

Smart Features

While the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar are primarily designed for outdoor use, they also offer a range of smart features to enhance everyday life. Both watches have smart notifications for calls, texts, emails, and app alerts, allowing users to stay connected on the go. They also support Garmin Pay for contactless payments, music controls, and compatibility with third-party apps for added convenience. In addition, users can customize their watch face with widgets, data fields, and apps to suit their preferences and needs.

Price

When it comes to pricing, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is generally more affordable than the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar. The Instinct 2 Solar is priced at around $400, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking for a rugged outdoor smartwatch with solar charging capabilities. On the other hand, the Instinct 3 Solar is priced at around $500, reflecting its additional features and higher resolution display. Ultimately, the choice between these two watches may come down to budget and specific feature preferences.