Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Make a bold statement with the rugged Garmin Instinct 3 Solar. It features a metal-reinforced bezel, scratch-resistant lens and built-in flashlight, plus solar charging for endless battery life.
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- Bolted construction, a metal-reinforced bezel and scratch-resistant lens allow the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar to endure your toughest adventures
- Navigate confidently with a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter and multi-band GPS with SatIQâ„¢ technology
- GPS with SatIQ technology delivers superior positioning while also optimizing battery life
- Engineered to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal and shock resistance and is also 10 ATM water-rated
- 45 MM version has a 0.9 in. display; 50 MM version has a 1.1 in. display
- Engineered with a super-tough fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal-reinforced bezel
- Built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes gives you greater visibility in the outdoors and provides convenient illumination when you need it
- Unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging (assumes all-day wear with 3 hrs. per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions)
- 45 MM average battery life: up to 28 days/unlimited with solar in smartwatch mode; up to 65 days/unlimited with solar in battery saver watch mode
- 50 MM average battery life: up to 40 days/unlimited with solar in smartwatch mode; up to 100 days/unlimited with solar in battery saver watch mode
- 24/7 health and wellness features keep you connected to your body with wrist-based 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
- Leave your cash and cards at home—GarminPay™ contactless payments (with supported bank) let you pay for purchases on the go and breeze through select transit systems
- Stay connected with smart notifications and ConnectIQâ„¢ Store compatibility, which allows you to download new apps and watch faces (when paired with your compatible smartphone)
- Safety and tracking features include Incident Detection (during select activities) and Assistance
- Both will call or send a message with your live location to emergency contacts when paired with your smartphone
- Incident detection and Assistance require setup and your smartphone to be in an area with network coverage where data connectivity is available
- Sync the Instinct® 3 smartwatch with the GarminConnect™ app, and get more details on your health and fitness data plus personalized insights and more
Imported.
45 MM
- Smartwatch: up to 28 days/unlimited with solar*
- Battery saver watch mode: up to 65 days/unlimited with solar*
- GPS only: up to 40 hrs./130 hrs. with solar**
- All satellite systems: up to 28 hrs./50 hrs. with solar**
- All satellite systems + multi-band: up to 24 hrs./40 hrs. with solar***
- Max battery GPS: up to 100 hrs./unlimited with solar**
- Expedition GPS: up to 36 days/unlimited with solar*
- Smartwatch: up to 40 days/unlimited with solar*
- Battery saver watch mode: up to 100 days/unlimited with solar*
- GPS only: up to 60 hrs./ 260 hrs. with solar**
- All satellite systems: up to 40 hrs./80 hrs. with solar**
- All satellite systems + multi-band: up to 34 hrs./60 hrs. with solar***
- Max battery GPS: up to 150 hrs./unlimited with solar**
- Expedition GPS: up to 60 days/unlimited with solar*
**Solar charging, assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions
***Solar charging, assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions; assuming typical use with SatIQ technology
| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Average Battery Life | 45 MM: Smartwatch: up to 28 days/unlimited with solar; battery saver watch mode: up to 65 days/unlimited with solar; GPS only: up to 40 hrs./130 hrs. with solar 50 MM: Smartwatch: Up to 40 days/unlimited with solar; battery saver watch mode: up to 100 days/unlimited with solar; GPS only: up to 60 hrs./ 260 hrs. with solar |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Solar-Powered | Yes |
| Display Size | 45 MM: 0.9 inches 50 MM: 1.1 inches |
| Illumination | Backlight |
| Altimeter | Pressure-based |
| Compass | Yes |
| GPS/Satellite Detectable | Yes |
| HRM Included/Integrated | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor Type | Wrist-based |
| Average Heart Rate | Yes |
| Pulse Oximeter | Yes |
| Heart Rate Target Zone(s) | Yes |
| VO2 Max Estimate | Yes |
| Recovery Advising | Yes |
| Tracks Steps | Yes |
| Pedometer Type | Digital 3-axis Accelerometer |
| Pace Alert | Yes |
| Interval Training | Yes |
| Tracks Calories Burned | Yes |
| Water-Resistant Depth | 100 meters |
| Pool Lap Recognition | Yes |
| Stroke Recognition | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
| Time Display | Yes |
| Stopwatch | Yes |
| Preloaded Map | None |
| Programmable Routes | Yes |
| Number of Routes | 30 |
| Number of Waypoints | 1000 |
| Customization | Watch Faces Apps Data Fields Widgets |
| Smart Device Notifications | Yes |
| Data Exchange | Bluetooth ANT+ |
| Compatible Fitness Accessories | Power Meter Heart Rate Monitor |
| Gender | Unisex |
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does not display autonomy correctly; when the connection to the phone is turned on, it shows autonomy in days longer than when it is turned off.
Thank you for your review and experience with the Ibstibcr 3 Solar. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
Great watch, but don’t throw away the charger
The Instinct 3 Solar is a great watch for outdoor sports. The watch is rugged and has a multitude of apps to track different activities. Pretty much every sport you can think of is included. The big question most people will have is how well the solar charging works. After using it for a couple of months, I can say it works well, but it won’t eliminate the need for traditional charging if you use the GPS much. It depends on how your settings are configured, but I typically use about 1 percent of battery overnight and 3 percent per day with no GPS. Using GPS boosts battery consumption to about 2-4 percent per hour (1-2 percent using Ultratrac with fewer GPS updates) depending on sunlight. What I typically find is that I drain some battery during sport activities but regain some charge when outside without GPS use. Some of my best solar charging is while driving or flying if I can keep the watch In sunlight. The angle, strength of light, and obstructions such as windows or shadows affect charging. Solar charging is measured in lux hours. Garmin says 3 hours per day in 50,000 lux conditions is necessary for unlimited battery life (this is apparently without GPS use). I seldom reach 150,000 lux hours. It seems to me that raising the battery by one percentage point takes 20-40,000 lux hours based on my observations. I use the GPS pretty often and end up charging with the plug about every three weeks. I’ve kept several weeks of data on start and ending battery levels, lux hours, and activity time. Some days I experience net battery gain, but most days I lose a few percentage points. If you don’t use the GPS but spend time outside, the battery can last indefinitely. If you use the GPS often, battery drain is slowed by solar charging but not offset. There is an expedition mode that takes only an hourly position fix to allow very long hikes without charging. As far as navigating functions, the menus aren’t intuitive but are relatively easy to learn. I recommend looking at YouTube tutorials and reading Garmin’s online manual. The flashlight is handy and a first for me on a watch. I previously had the Instinct 2 Standard and the 3 Solar screen seems easier to read. I also like the Trackback feature that makes it easy to navigate back to your starting point. There are only two problems that I’ve run into. First, a new watch needs to be updated with the Garmin Express app on a computer. This is simple (just download the app to the computer and plug in the USB watch charger) but annoying since updates usually come automatically. For some reason, the pre installed software won’t give full battery life. Second, Garmin Pay isn’t worth much. None of my banks allow it to its full capability (Amex allows for only electronic transactions). I miss being able to pay with my watch like I did with my Fitbit, which was compatible with all my banks. All in all, it’s a great watch. I’ve had lots of fun with it, and I love the extended (but not unlimited) battery life. The Instinct 3 Solar has a lot of bang for the buck. I’ll add that the watch looks better in person. The parts that look orange in pictures are more of a copper in real life.
Great overall watch without the needless extras!
Purchased this watch after doing a lot of research and waiting for initial reviews, tests to come out. I don't quite understand the negative reviews here as Garmin Support should be contacted in case of user error, etc. But, from my experience (and I've never had a 'smart' watch) is that there is a bit of a learning curve and it will take time. But, the metrics on this watch are outstanding. It even recorded my row on the C2 machine without having to even start an activity and just connecting Garmin Connect with the C2 Log Book. The solar is keeping my watch charged and I haven't lost any days yet even with playing with it nonstop. Granted, it has been sunny here. I think it can be confusing at first if you've never had a Garmin like me, but watch videos, look online and all the information is there. Once you've done it a few times - it becomes seamless. There is so much to this watch, it might be a minute before I learn it all!
No regrets with my new Instinct 3
I had some initial hiccups attempting to install a software update (Garmin Express said the device was out of storage space). After some kind, but ultimately fruitless attempts to resolve the issue with Garmin Support, I reset the watch and re-paired it to my phone and was immediately notified that the software update was ready to install. Now everything is working as it should and, well, 40 day battery life says it all. This is a nice, rugged watch, with basic smart functions.Perfect for anyone like myself that grew tired of charging their Apple Watch 1-2 ties per day and are increasingly annoyed by constant notifications. I've set the Garmin to only alert me to calls. The screen visibility/readability is much improved upon the Instinct 2 line. Fonts are large and easy to read. Perfect for my aging eyes.
Awesome watch
Ive had this watch since it came out- I had the Instinct 2 prior. It does everything i need it to and has tons of battery life- and is easily recharged by sunlight. Its light and easy to wear and customizable as to the face. Doesn't have all the fancy features of a fenix 8 but its much easier to wear and tracks most everything you'd need tracked. Id buy it again given the option.
Solar power charging
I bought this Garmin Instinct 3 solar power charging it's been great now I see my step count and heart rate this watch well made and the battery will last 40 days before charging again I fully charged it on July 1 2025 to see how long it will really last I went to the coast and my watch said 29 days before charging again well I got plenty of sun in one day that the charge when back up to 31 days till charging and I also do welding and i forgot to cover my watch that 3 ark sparks hit the lens and burn in to it but never Crack the screen like it did my phone and it still works on solar charging im glad I bought this watch it's worth the money and right now my watch says 27 days till I have to charge it again
Great upgrade from Instinct 1
Upgraded from original Instinct 1, and here are a few differences. The new screen is incredible and crisp, the activities save a lot faster, and best of all, the solar charging- it gives you an extra day every 30 minutes - 1 hour in sunlight when it is on battery saver mode. I bought this for the extra long battery life and wasn't disappointed. However, I had to return it. I thought the orange would grow on me, but the bezel is super reflective so light reflects off and the orange kept catching my eye. It was very distracting. If you like the color and want a super long battery life without maps, this is the watch for you. It just wasn't for me.
Instinct 3 Solar
I had the Fenix 6 Pro for a long time, but decided I wanted something solar. I was interested in the Fenix 8 but the price was just too much so I went with the Instinct 3 Solar. This watch does absolutely everything I need it to and it’s very lightweight. I work outside so the solar keeps it charged pretty well and sometimes I don’t have to charge it for three weeks or longer. For the price I think this is one of the Best buys I’ve ever made when it comes to Garmon products
Great upgrade from original Instinct Solar
My first gen Instinct Solar was showing signs it was time to upgrade (battery not lasting as long, random resets, etc.) but I absolutely loved it. I had been holding out for the Instinct 3 Solar and as soon as it came out, I decided it was time to make a move. From the original, this is an upgrade in pretty much every way. There are multiple sizes for the face (despite my skinny wrists, I went with the biggest option--no regrets!), the battery life is much longer, way more activities available, and lots of new features I didn't have before. I use this to track my running, hiking, skiing (up and downhill), and more. The Instinct line is honestly exactly what I want out of a smart fitness watch. I want great tracking, a battery that lasts a ridiculously long amount of time, helpful tools, and I think a color screen is completely unnecessary. If I had one complaint, it's the colorways available (only 2 in the biggest face size). I went with the charcoal with orange accents which is such a downgrade from my orangey-red original Instinct Solar. You can swap the bands, but I wish I had more exciting options available to match my personal style.
I love my Instinct 3
I’ve had my watch since April and have only needed to charge it twice. I don’t know what it can all do, but I’m learning. The only issue I have is with the band. I don’t like silicone band so I bought a nylons one that fits better. For the price of the watch you should have a choice of what band you want or have it included.