Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED: A Detailed Review
The Garmin Instinct 3 50mm AMOLED is a tough watch to categorize. Is it a powerhouse of a device with incredible battery life? Or does it miss the mark by not including certain expected features for its price point? Perhaps it’s a combination of both, making it a complex product to assess.
First Impressions and Design
After a week of using the Instinct 3 AMOLED, the first thing that strikes you is its striking AMOLED display. A significant upgrade from the previous MIP displays, the 1.3-inch screen is vibrant and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The glossy orange aluminum bezel (for the Neo Tropic model) adds a stylish touch while being durable. However, choosing this AMOLED version means sacrificing the exceptionally long battery life of the solar models. Instead of a month or two, you get approximately 18-24 days of battery life from the AMOLED, which, while still decent, is less than comparable smartwatches.
Missing the Mark: Feature Shortcomings
While the brighter display is a welcome upgrade, the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED feels like it lacks a key differentiating feature to truly justify its price. The addition of a flashlight and its rugged nature are appreciated, but they aren’t game-changers in the crowded smartwatch market. Many competitors offer offline maps at a similar, or even lower price point, something noticeably absent from the Instinct 3. This absence feels particularly puzzling considering that the Instinct series targets users who frequently venture into areas where cellular service might be unreliable.
The Offline Maps Conundrum
The lack of offline maps is perhaps the most significant omission. Competitors such as COROS, Polar, and Suunto have integrated offline maps into their similarly priced AMOLED watches. These maps allow users to download routes and follow them with turn-by-turn directions, even without a cellular connection. The Garmin Instinct 3, however, restricts this helpful feature to its high-end models like the Fenix and Enduro, driving up costs for users who want this functionality. This strategy appears to be a deliberate attempt to encourage sales of more expensive models. Even budget-friendly smartwatches from other brands include offline maps, making Garmin’s omission stand out as a considerable drawback.
Sensor Technology: A Step Back?
Another area where the Instinct 3 AMOLED falls slightly short is the sensor technology. While the heart-rate sensor delivers comparable accuracy to other Garmin watches performing well, notably during high-intensity anaerobic workouts, it’s essentially a three-year-old design found in the Instinct 2. The lack of newer sensor upgrades like the Elevate v5 (with ECG features) raises questions about value, especially considering the price. Although it provides acceptable accuracy for most users, the use of last-generation technology does not align with the price point.
What the Instinct 3 Gets Right
The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED has some undeniably positive aspects. The improved AMOLED display is a significant upgrade, making it much easier to interact with the watch. Features like training load focus, sleep tracking, and running/cycling dynamics add value, but these represent incremental improvements borrowed from existing Garmin models.
Price and Value Proposition
The Instinct 3 AMOLED’s price sits squarely in the mid-range, but its missing features make its value proposition less clear. Some might question the value of paying a premium for a brighter screen but without features like LTE connectivity or offline maps commonly available in less expensive competitors. Garmin’s approach of restricting premium software and hardware features to its higher-priced models makes the mid-range options harder to justify.
Conclusion: A Solid Watch, But Not Without Shortcomings
The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED is certainly a capable fitness watch with a beautiful display and solid battery life. Its rugged construction and accurate GPS make it well-suited for outdoor activities and demanding situations. However, its shortcomings in sensor technology and the lack of offline maps weigh heavily against it. The decision to omit these features, especially considering its price and the presence of similar features in cheaper alternatives, makes it hard to wholeheartedly recommend the Instinct 3 AMOLED over its competitors. For those prioritizing battery life, rugged durability, and the familiar Garmin interface, it will satisfy. But those looking for innovation and a complete feature set at this price point might find themselves looking elsewhere. The final verdict hinges on individual priorities and willingness to compromise on some features for the sake of battery life and robust construction.