Garmin Instinct 3 vs Fenix 8: Every single difference explained!

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

In a Garmin video they said the metal ring on the Instinct also acts as the GPS antenna.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Interesting, I'll have to take a look. All material I've seen just says more durable. Cheers!

[@_J.F_]

I am a hardcore Fenix fan but must admit that I am getting off the bandwagon with the Fenix 8 as it seems that Garmin wants it to go ways that I don't want to go, and certainly do not want to pay for either. The Instinct 3 could have been an alternative had it not been for the lack of mapping so for me the only real contender is the Enduro 3, which offers everything I need but without all the stuff I don't need, and it costs just about 3/4 of what the Fenix 8 (similar sized solar version) costs. There is still plenty of life left in my Fenix 7 Pro though so who knows what directions Garmin might take in the future but I somehow doubt that the Fenix family is ever going to be flagship of all sports watches as it used to be but more like Garmin's response to the Apple watch.

[@HyggeQuest]

The best comparison would be between Instinct 2X and the new instinct 3.... Waiting for it 🤞

[@tomaszsocha1939]

Winner will 2x

[@greg15911]

Why?​@@tomaszsocha1939

[@rikkyt66]

I also need that. I was going to order a 2X next payday and didn't know the instinct 3 existed until today.

[@hornsteinhof7592]

Not sure if the instinct 2 series will go out of selling now that series 3 is there 🤔

[@ulaev]

i think the best garmin watch at this time is enduro 3. almost all functions. super light, large screen, super battery life. saphyre + titanium besel. best looking watch.

[@soloman01uk]

Agree and own one. Amazing watch.

[@bb4prelude73]

The visibility of the watch and the size of the actual screens size is not that great . That’s if you come from a 7 pro . But the weight of the watch is nice at least for a 51 mm

[@dom1natorrr]

I'm still wearing tactix delta, but for sure enduro 3 is my next watch

[@mattbauer1234]

I couldn’t agree more, but I would love if it came in a 45 mm.

[@facerol7900]

Visibility on enduro3 is much better then on f7pro ​@@bb4prelude73

[@joshs2138]

Just got a instinct 2x for Christmas. It is great!

[@josh9374]

Thanks for the upload Ray!

[@gelob]

we will wait to see new forerunner series this year, than we can decide which to buy :)

[@Tarkov.]

Gonna guess that jump rope REALLY sucks on the old sensor.

[@mnaglik]

Not true, since it's very accurate in Instinct 2S after downloading Garmin Jump Rope activity app.

[@Tarkov.]

@@mnaglik Hah, I guess they just forgot to add it.

[@isaacspokes2802]

Second video in a row where you've had me thinking there's a "Fenix E" haha

[@Dcrainmaker]

There is a Fenix E too…you also don’t want that either.

[@sxhrgvs]

Just upgraded from a fenix 6x pro to a fenix 8. I’m impressed with the amoled screen for sure, and the titanium colour looks good. Gps seems to connect faster too. I don’t notice the weight and I’ll be surprised if any grown adult really does but it doesn’t matter to me. The torch on the fenix is cool and useful. I have it on always on display and get about 2 weeks of battery life with daily workouts. Overall it’s great. It’s not life changing vs fenix 6x pro, but it’s good. Very happy with it.

[@BIGTREESJOE]

Awesome review as always. Thank you!

[@MrBrostin]

I really don't know what to think about those new Garmin releases. Not having mapping is a bummer for that price. Same as the cost of the Fenix line up in general, esp. for gimmicks nobody really needs. Looks like my fenix 6 has to stay a while longer on my wrist. I hope the new forerunner will be worth the wait. Any indication when they could launch?

[@michaellanger5671]

Excellent video as always ❤. Perfect to start the day 🎉. One thing that is a real bummer ist the fact that the I3 has no touchscreen…so you can’t even use Komoot like on the Venu 3 to get maps on your watch….I mean you can’t even use but you can’t move them around

[@MrNick99]

Great video... So many weird comments 🤦

[@carl_weatherzzz7386]

This pivot to amoled has me staying put with my Instinct 1 and Fenix 7. I have high def screens on my phone, my laptop and multiple TVs. Don't need one on my wrist too

[@davidbraswell1481]

they seriously need help with naming too confusing now!!

[@janbrittenson210]

The MIP-Solar displays are reflective, so are extremely clear and readable in daylight. So it depends mainly on whether you train out in bright sunlight or in the dark of night. Or more realistically, whether its purpose is to be primarily a training device or primarily a smart watch.

[@Nick-N]

I use 965 24/7 and never as a smartwatch. MIP makes no sense to me as days here are really short for the most of the year.

[@Dcrainmaker]

There’s simply no issues with current generation AMOLED devices in bright sun readability. Hasn’t been for years.

[@carl_weatherzzz7386]

​​@@Dcrainmakerwith polarized shades there absolutely is. They become illegiable

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@carl_weatherzzz7386 No problems with polarized for me or others. Some much older screens (4+ years ago), sure, but not anything recent.

[@AHungryHunky]

My thing with MiP vs Amoled is if you spend more time outside MiP just makes more sense. Amoled has to fight the sun to be visible, so on the brightest days it's going to drain battery fast, whereas MiP becomes more visible the brighter it is. While I understand Amoled as come a long way, its still inefficient compared to MiP, and that's displayed in the huge battery life differences on the Fenix 8 and new Instinct models, comparing Always on modes. For me, thr MiP display on my Fenix when using any of the built in watch faces is easily readable dawn to dusk and really only needs a backlight in poorly lit indoor environments or after the sun has set. I run my MiP display with 5% backlight from sunset to sunrise, and off the rest of the time and other than when I am "asleep" and the backlight doesn't come on, its never been hard to read. I am not really a "pretty colors" kind of person other than wanting some visual distinction between different information. When I first saw the new Fenix 8 Amoled I was kind of turned off by overwhelming the display was.

[@jervinreyes21]

Initially Instinct 3 did mention going to have "Hill and Endurance Score" which later were advised by Garmin was not included. Make sense given it could eat other model sales but this just show features can be locked or unlocked whenever they want. I hope someday, Garmin could just ask additional Subscription Fee if they want to have certain features activated. I like Venu 3 body, but it features is quite limited for workout shame.

[@hnahler]

I just picked up an Epix Pro 51mm, sapphire, titanium for £499. That's £70 more than an Instinct 3 Amoled. Maps, gen 5 HR sensor are the key features for me. Looks and music are not to sniff at either. I will see what I think about the battery life on multiday hikes after coming from an Instinct Solar.

[@nf5978]

The Instinct3 release got me as an Instinct2 Solar user really interested in the Fenix 7Pro. There I get all the features I was hoping for in the Instinct3 for ~100€ more than the Instinct3. I want the torch on a smaller watch, multiband and satiq, mapping and gen5 sensor. however, the fenix is heavier and has worse battery life though. And I don't trust the display for rock climbing. The recessed display of my instinct2 is holding up perfectly.

[@Marcel-cp1wy]

Same here. I did it my instinct 2 display side on rock few times and nothing happened. The best part was, since it was cheap I didn't even worry.

[@KibbleGiver]

You kinda glossed over the Nacho Cheese Dispenser there Ray. Niche yes, but a notable differentiator. 🙂

[@ftw037]

🤣

[@wobblysauce]

It is the texture that gets me.

[@dxp8668]

I am an instinct 2x owner, my altimert ist broken for the second time. Thinking about getting a fenix 7x pro or enduro 2 for a cheap price but still waiting for your review of the instinct 3. Struggling with the size of the two. think the 50mm size of the instinct ist perfect.

[@toadlguy]

1:56 You start talking about the “Fenix” E rather than Instinct. Might want to add an overlay correction. I paused at that point and when I resumed I couldn’t figure out what was going on 😂. Most probably won’t notice.

[@nicholastaylor6169]

Does the amoled instinct have an ambient light sensor or equivalent to adjust display brightness automatically?

[@theammar]

weird that the vs video is out before the instinct 3 review lol

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not really. I wanted more data on solar battery drain during long activities before my final review.

[@gro_skunk]

I'd really want to see a solar test to seehow fast the new Instinct 3 50mm solar can charge itself in the sun, I've seen older tests of the 2X Solar where even in direct sunlight for hours the battery didn't gain any charge, just held steady.

[@cubiq1]

Ray, is the Instinct E based on the OG Instinct or 2? It looks like it has the Elevate V4 HR sensor, so this makes me think Instinct 2?

[@leangrypoulet7523]

@dcrainmaker Ray, do you think Garmin will feel they’ve missed a trick on the Instinct 3 Amoled, and update the software in the (near?) future with some sort of mapping?

[@motivationmore7025]

I stay with my Tactix 7 Amoled. It has the newest sensor and updates. Waste of money tbh if you invest into Instinct 3 or Fenix 8.

[@Stacklow44]

Had the tactix 7 amoled for a year great watch

[@nealwhitehousepiper]

Makes the jump from an original instinct much easier...

[@twobyforcat]

The amoled version sounds like a rugged 265

[@Losersluck_]

This just cemented that I’ll stick with my 2x solar.

[@vromaka]

Jump rope for the instinct 3 might be available as an "app", like in Instinct 2.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Perhaps, but with over 100 sport profiles, for everything under the sun, it’s totally silly to have to download this extra.

[@revcph]

Your link in the notes keeps mentioning EPix for $399, but every time I look it's $500 or more

[@ReptilianLepton]

Per CamelCamelCamel, on the linked ASIN, $399 is the _all time low_ for any listing from any seller (including all the sketchy no-name third parties with alarmingly low ratings). The average is quite a bit higher. Maybe it'll dip down eventually, but saying to just check again tomorrow is silly.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@ReptilianLepton It's not just the all-time low, it's literally what it's been at the last 2-3 months. There are essentially four different Epix SKU's that have been at that price (white/black and sapphire/non-sapphire for each). Anyone who follows the sports tech industry knows it, and has oft talked about it. All of them have been sold direct from Amazon. Again, as noted, give it a day or so, and it pops back every single time.

[@nathaniellecompte55]

I have an instinct 2x I’ve had less than a month. Should I go get the 3?

[@haanjamiis]

I could not get used to the mips. It just seemed just so dull. And for that price. Returned it and got amoled version.

[@terrywalker7127]

Do you think the Instinct 3 amulet 50mm could replace the functionality of a whoop band? Seems my whoop doesn't catch my naps. Thanks for the video

[@WariWahab]

As for mapping, wouldn't Garmin Explore help? Granted you need the phone with you, and that may not work for long expeditions.

[@davidgaines8607]

My fenix 8 biggest complaint is the inability to take conplete control of the brightness in any lighting condition. Also what is becoming a deal breaker is there is a gap in the lug area where it appears the watch body is two pieces not fit together well. Damned thing gets stuck to my head at night , rips my hair out (head) while im sleeping.

[@ricardobachmann6329]

Can you please try the Morpheus system?

[@jermainesmith1052]

Any word on if they’ve included position enhancement in this unit?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, not on Instinct 3.

[@rikkyt66]

So today I was looking at the gamin site to get my son something since his vivo Jr just died and he's getting older. Saw a COLOR INSTINCT!?!? Nearly instantly ordered it. Came here first since I knew you would have a comparison and glad I did. No touchscreen I can forgive. But no maps!? What's the point of the display then. Give it maps and the standard color screen with solar, lose the AMOLED. Yes it's pretty much a super rugged lightweight Fenix 6 pro with updated hardware at that point. But that's more in line with what the Fenix line was originally meant to be.

[@courtneyregan4005]

So was this his formal review of the Instinct 3, or no, just a comparison vid?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Formal review is still coming, working on full battery burn testing.

[@GummeeH3]

now do the Tactix series

[@vac59]

Please tell me a reason Garmin doesn’t want to put Qi charging in their watches.

[@qwer55555555]

Hi, I have a quick question ao F8 owners here. Did anyone of you had ghost button presses (back in particular). I have an issue where back button either registers phantom presses or not reacting at all. Sometimes watch will just reboot as well. It happens randomly and i just want to know if its only me or anyone else. If me then it's probably dead hw, but if there are more - maybe a weird bug? Thanks!

[@outsidewithquad8123]

So the epix gen 2 is not $399 no more?

[@Dcrainmaker]

As noted, it comes/goes, but has mostly been there the last few months (and since summer).

[@rodrigolaporte274]

I think I'll go for the instinct 3 solar 50mm. I have the instinct 2 and I LOVE it but I could use the bigger screen. However Instinct 2x costs the same as instinct 3 so there's no reason to get the 2x

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@mechman02]

I know im in the minority here, but i now refuse to own anything besides the Instinct line. The case is indestructible and looks great forever. I don't subscribe to the philosophy of allowing an expensive watch to look like crap under the guise of it being part of the journey, and a badge of honor. Do you buy an expensive vehicle and happily live with scratches and dents because its part of the journey? Give me an instinct. In my opinion, the "premium" materials for the more expensive watches just eont cut it. Off my soap box. I will keep my 2x. Hopefully there will be a 3x.

[@pedropgusmao]

Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire (500 GBP) or Enduro 3 (760 GBP)? Which one would you choose?

[@TheAshrafcharles]

[@shanepipkin4041]

that epix watch is 600 plus now

[@TomikCoin]

Iam alone with Amoled Instinct 3?

[@HebiQuijote]

Buy what you like bro. Dont think about what others think. 😉

[@davidoramsey]

FOMO -will Garmin update my Epix Gen 2 with the nacho functionality? "But I'm mad now!"

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

Zero reasons to replace my Epix Gen2 anytime soon!

[@rsgt2023]

No recovery widget, no countdown widget! Oh come on. I could do without the maps and ecg, but those basic software features compared to fenix 8. 😂 I'm sure there are no hardware limitations to implement those. So just pricing and differentiate these products. Maps and the same software as fenix 8, this would have been 🔥 but now its just blaah softwarewise.

[@okby]

价格就相差距大，没有可对比性。

[@daltonfox1]

It makes zero sense to put a old sensor in a new watch.

[@carloscssr]

The gen 5 sensor? The epix pro has the gen 5 sensor, the same as the 8 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, correct

[@Chungleas]

I can't help feeling this is all missing the point. The gap in the market that the instinct line has met for the last 7 years isn't a "Poor man's Fenix" it's actually been the "G-Shock GPS sports watch that Casio don't seem to be able to make". A tough, basic GPS watch with a B&W display and no touch screen nonsense but the trade-off being excellent battery life and affordability. AMOLED displays, ECG functions, Depth gauges, proper navigation and voice commands are for people with failing eyesight and healthier bank balances 😊... Can someone actually review the Instinct E now rather than keep promising to, I know it's not the sexy new toy, but it's probably the model closest in functionality to what previous fans of instinct watches might actually be looking for.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It’s not because we keep promising for the fun of it, but because I don’t have a unit yet (still waiting for unit I ordered), and Garmin hasn’t replied to my E follow-up questions on exact specs.

[@foetor]

Garmin gives MiP displays worse battery than AMOLED version on purpose. I get with my 8 51mm Solar without GPS 14 days. That‘s a joke. AMOLED version get even with AOD nearly the same

[@TokarevViacheslav]

The designer should be fired for the Instinct 3. I had high hopes for the Instinct 3, but with a design like that I will never buy this watch.

[@VadimAndreyev]

Both sensors are not accurate. So all the metrics are inaccurate.

[@ted363636]

Hopefully The Girl didn't join you on the dark side and still prefers MIP. She should definitely appear in your reviews as a counterbalance 😉

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's funny, she was all ready go jump back to her Fenix 7S Pro last week, from the Fenix 8 (43mm) AMOLED she's been using for a few months. Then I handed her the watch and she literally said "I think something is wrong with the display, why's it so dim". Me: Yes, welcome to the dark side.

[@ted363636]

@Dcrainmaker Damn! Perhaps the summer Mallorcan sun and charging every 3 days will change her mind, I'm not giving up on her! 😁

[@k1mfor]

You should address the horrible vibration (and other) problems with the Jetblack Victory. Lots of people waited and bought the trainer because of your glowing review, but it turned out to be garbage. At least warn others that it's not what was promised.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@k1mfor I’m getting clarity on what JetBlack is saying/doing, but thousand is units have shipped at this point and a handful on Reddit doesn’t make it a widespread issue. An issue for those people, certainly, but if it was widespread we’d see huge numbers of posts.

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

No the amoled is actually Garmin Instnix

[@Dcrainmaker]

Huh?

[@aaakmm1785]

Information about screen sizes is very misleading. For round screens you are giving diameter, for square screens you are giving the length of one side. They are not directly comparable. You need to calculate diagonal.

[@Dcrainmaker]

The problem with that thinking, is that Garmin is covering a portion of the Instinct Solar screen with the secondary window frame, thus, that takes quite a bit away.

[@elvinzubcevic9209]

​@Dcrainmaker could you please let us know the lug to lug size of Garmin Instinct 3 45mm?

[@vmv4956]

Amoled on this watch makes no sense. Garmin does not understand its user base Puting all black (the least flashy color) on the amoled model also makes no sense No one wants orange accents or fancy screen. Just give me an all black utility watch

[@Filthysvk]

An absolutely useless watch that most people don't care about 🤷 Garmin should take care of 2X series users and update the watch.

[@Andrew-xy7db]

It's interesting you mention the importance of having the routable maps. In my experience, these maps are pretty much unusable most of the time, the watch takes forever to work out a route, and heaven forbid you miss a turn, it then takes 10 minutes to work out a new route, plus the screen is really too small to see where you are going, you spend 20 minutes fiddling, zooming in and out to see if you got the right destination punched in. Lastly navigating the maps is a horrid experience, takes forever to load fresh tiles, gives a feeling of a 20 year old device. So really if anyone is reading this, if you want a useful mapping and navigation tool, get something like the 67i, unless you like getting annoyed with a fiddly toy that's buggy laggy and feels like it was designed by a 2 year old.