Garmin Instinct 3 In-Depth Review (AMOLED & SOLAR): Worth It?

[@deshkanagrikhoon]

Your reviews are just fantastic. Level of detail excellent.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@Sinasi08]

The battery on the MIP version is insane 🔥🔥🔥

[@MD-tr1yv]

Love your reviews! That screen clarity difference is big from the 2 to the 3 !

[@amaridev]

Why did they put an orange ring on all MIPS models? :(

[@bikesandstufff]

Yeah the orange is honestly a dealbreaker for me.

[@robhunt8378]

Who would buy Amoled otherwise :P

[@JasonRaneses]

Wait for the tactical

[@Tmacademia]

Yeah I would never buy that

[@amaridev]

@@JasonRaneses yes I really hope we get a tactical again

[@fitgearhunter]

Nice! Same day review release! Now to watch yours and see how many things I missed haha.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...was just starting to watch yours now! Good to have you back!

[@fitgearhunter]

@@Dcrainmakerdamn. I was about to take it on a 14 hour hike but totally forgot. Haha - um, yea, slightly less rigorous testing than you. Holy cow man great work. Your unique ability to clearly and effectively communicate multiple detailed points and aspects in a concise amount of time is just next level.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@Dcrainmaker and do you ever feel like the world dumbest person by quoting a FULL list of specs for a smaller variant and referencing them as if they are for the bigger variant over and over again in a video? Because I wouldn't know anything about that

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@fitgearhunter The bestest of us can get tripped up by trippy spec-sheets!

[@fitgearhunter]

@ #SoSoDumb

[@mikejeffsteel]

Thank you for the good review!

[@kevinkonczak6553]

I could not talk that fast for that long. Amazing detailed review, hopefully they put the maps back in. So many switching to COROS now Garmin needs to keep pace with the competition as they gain on them. Still rocking the 920XT with ZERO issues so no need for a new watch yet. Love the Garmin though!

[@NeoVdV]

Looking forward for the Venu 4

[@echobenav8]

Thanks for this very detailed and informative review! I have the original Instinct, classic and simple. All the new features feel like more is less

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

So any news about the tactical 3x ?

[@guaranteedwinner]

Same. Patiently waiting.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nothing. I can't really predict Tactical & MARQ variants of watches anymore. I'm sure there's some logic behind when/how/etc they release them, but I can't figure it out anymore, as the pattern is now lost/random.

[@soloman01uk]

Great review as always DC. I'll most definitely read your written review as well for more data. I won't be getting the Instinct 3. I'm very happy with my Enduro 3, which didn't seem to get the Garmin reset bug the other day. Are you known as crazy watch man locally by the way? It made me laugh when you were talking about GPS only mode accuracy. "You would probably never notice that, if you weren't wearing 4 GPS watches at once like I was"😂

[@666AIS]

Excellent review as always, but why no love for the 45mm solar? All the focus seems to be on the improved solar charging on the 50mm, but no mention of performance improvement on 45mm solar. I have the instict 2 solar and the solar performance of the 3 will determine if I will be upgrading or not. I don't want the 50mm.

[@Dcrainmaker]

The aqua colored one was 45mm AMOLED that my wife was using, but ultimately just not enough wrists to go around, as she didn’t want to give up her Fenix 8.

[@666AIS]

@Dcrainmaker Yes but I was referring to the solar version 45mm.

[@mwboost]

The 45mm 3 solar takes in lux roughly the same rate as the 50mm. I tested them both for a short while. Definitely improved over the 2.

[@ViktorCsáti]

Looking forward to a Tactical Edition

[@clubstew]

When I need a GPS for outdoor nav I tend to take my old Garmin 62S - though I know that GPS tech is ancient - or use GaiaGPS on my phone on airplane mode. Maps on a watch with touch might be nice for convenience, though. Still, that solar battery life is impressive. On days-long backpacking trips it’s nice to know I’ll be able to keep tracking (Strava or it didn’t happen, right?!). I appreciate the Fenix 7 recommendation in your write up. Not many left on Amazon.

[@Bathi666]

You are my favorite KZbinr when it comes to cycling and tech related stuff. Read Chad you are mate. Keep it up 😊

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

Loved your videos, bought the Epix 2 based on your videos! Could you do a walkthrough of your specific method for setting up these watches for long hikes? specifically the most useful display things, and how you go about using it for long trekks Keep it up man!

[@anthonyorellana3525]

Looking at picking up the epix 2 for $450 new. Really wanted the newer HR and light in the epix 2 pro but can't justify the $400 price jump. Do you think the HR monitor is pretty accurate? Would you go for the epix 2 pro?

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

@@anthonyorellana3525 Epix 2 pro is too expensive imo, for the heart-rate stuff, I haven't validated it but it usually agreed with what my fitbit says

[@Dcrainmaker]

Good idea, that's an easy one!

[@AstroDeathZombie]

One of the bigger bummers for us multi watch users is the Instinct 3 is being left out of the Body Battery TrueUp update presumably because it’s on the Gen4 sensor and the watches getting it are all on the Gen5. I’d love to be able to seamlessly switch back and forth from an Instinct and Fenix.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I actually don't think that's the reason why to be honest, as that Body Battery true-up is also going to all Fenix 7/Epix/etc watches, plus all recent Forerunner watches, Lily, and a pile of others (almost none of which have Gen5). I haven't asked, but knowing how Garmin works when they get really close to releases, they start locking down other changes to focus on getting the ball across the l;ine. I'd be willing to take a guess we'll see this added in the next quarterly update. But I'll ask on a volley, I'd been meaning to.

[@AstroDeathZombie]

@@Dcrainmaker Hey thanks for input, I didn't expect anyone at all to respond or care for my opinion hahaha. That's good to know, I'll still be keeping my eye out. I'd like another MIP watch to compliment my F8 I was gifted. Sold my F8X SS

[@michaellanger5671]

I was hoping for an Instinct AMOLED but the I3 leaves me totally disillusioned! Way too expensive for what you get! I keep waiting for a massive price decrease or the I4. But very good video as always ❤

[@RewildingFlanders]

Very good review, as always! Any tips for cycling in Mallorca? Will be going there in april 🙂

[@SleepySteve79]

Great review, shame about maps. A bit jealous of the weather over there. Saw the sale here to for the Fenix 7.. such a great deal atm..

[@FrankieKrygs]

Great review! Also, I believe this does have maps but you have to use Komoot to see it vs Garmin breadcrumb trail. I was hoping you’d touch on the experience of that. I saw an international youtuber go over that feature but it was hard to understand since it was in another language. Not sure if it’s available in the US though, just food for thought.

[@joshgoodman]

I notice the AMOLED has the HR zones gauge during exercise. How does this appear on the MIPS display cant see it the review?

[@ben19961]

This is a fantastic review and very informative I’m stuck trying to figure out whether the AMOLED or solar I’m just starting to get back into the running game is there one of these that has the slight edge over accuracy? I’m leaning toward the solar for practical reasons such as not charging but willing to get the AMOLED if that proves to be more accurate I’m recording running data

[@matusblaschke369]

Is the small memory of the solar models something to be worried about long term as well as for everyday use? My activities aren't crazy long or anything and it's like 4 of them per week. Will I be running out of space regularly and if so, can it delete history on its own? And when it's deleted on device, does it mean I won't be able to view it in the mobile app? I'm new to Garmin. Thanks!

[@randyg1524]

With my Instinct 2X I've noticed that it does a reboot when using Pacepro and a course simultaneously. Very annoying during a race. Did you try that with the new Instinct?

[@p3shoo]

My eyesight is not as sharp as it used to, so I don't really care for maps on a watch. That battery life is really something else.

[@MultiChuck45]

How does the amoled data screens on activities look?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Great!

[@icthus13]

How accurate is the heart rate sensor when your heart rate gets quite high?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Check out the HR accuracy section, I dive into that quite a bit.

[@georgevadnais3516]

Your videos are always interesting. I just bought the Garmin instinct 3 50mm amoled and i’m pretty happy 👌😎

[@Dcrainmaker]

Great to hear!

[@matusblaschke369]

Outstanding review, Ray! Now I gotta know which to choose, The FR965 for 500€ or the smaller Instinct 3 Solar for 400€. I'm buying my first Garmin ever and upgrading from the original Pixel Watch after 2,5 years of using it but the battery is driving me extra nuts lately 😤

[@lowzyyy]

Usuallt it goes like this. If you are active but running is your priority and other sports less priority-> forerunner

[@rodrigolaporte274]

What an amazing review. One question, do you notice some speed difference between amoled and solar versions? when you put one next to the other and operate them, it seems to me that the amoled version is snappier, is that so?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, Solar is slow like other Instincts, AMOLED is snappy. Though, this really only impacts route loading and saving workouts.

[@rb2112]

Thank you very much, DC! Very helpful review! A question: what watch are you wearing in the video?

[@Dcrainmaker]

On my left wrist, I'm wearing the Instinct 3 AMOLED (50mm), on my right wrist, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (black titanium).

[@rb2112]

Thank you, DC! Keep up the great work!

[@Jb305903]

Or you know for under $400 get a AMOLED+touchscreen watch with maps from some other companies lol. I was hoping garmin would streamline their offerings. Hey at least they added major city dots lol. You guys realize the original fenix from 10 years ago could do maps in black and white. Great review as always. Oh and the v4 Sensor WTF Garmin

[@PyroLV]

10 years ago was the Fenix 3 and it most definitely didn't have any black and white maps, just a breadcrumb track. Source: used one for 5 years.

[@Jb305903]

Or google how to load maps on Fenix 1/2 😙 Maybe ask AI to help you find answers :)

[@leocmen]

Sir, does it support *GARMIN STRENGHT COACH* ? Or did they keep the STRENGHT TRAINING PLANs only for Enduro3 and Fenix8 ?

[@fearful3654]

I have the solar watch now for 2,5 weeks. I have mountainbiked 2 times for about 70k every time. But I don’t get the vo2max to work. I also did some gym workouts in the 2 weeks. I have it set to read the pulse ox only at night. The only thing I can think of why it doesn’t work is that I don’t wear the watch during the most of the day because of my work as a mechanic. But I would like to read the vo2max in the training status. Do I need to set it to read the pulse ox all the time? Or I saw you need to have the power pedals for your bike? Or is there an other way to get it to work?

[@rabomarc]

I’m not sure about this Garmin because it has historically varied between models and some indeed provide vo2max basing on cycling only if you have a powermeter. The easiest and most reliable way to get vo2max on your Garmin without needing any other hardware is to do a run workout (or several in some cases).

[@fearful3654]

@rabomarc and after the runs does it automatically work for cycling? Like it has set a base line of some kind? Thnx for the reply!

[@rabomarc]

@@fearful3654yes, it should work like this. It’s a bit strange because I only got the vo2max with running and after I got it, Garmin would apply it also to cycling an even sometimes update it basing on my ride performance. I’m not entirely sure why or how it works but I certainly can see it does work.

[@fearful3654]

@@rabomarc thnx! I will try that!

[@cursed7154]

19:00 the graph is messed up. You got 6 watches indicated on the list and only 5 presented on the graph, all while having Fenix8 indicated as "grey" on the bottom list of watches and as 2nd "blue" on the list in the top right corner of the graph. I assume it's the Fenix 8's scale that is missing.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's actually there, but the lower color (grey) is basically indicating it ran out of the initial 5 colors. So then it assigns it blue (seen up top). But yes, it did miss one interval, whereas the Instinct 3 missed most of them.

[@marcwehrmann9220]

Großartiges Video 👍🇩🇪

[@balazserik1834]

should i get a instinct 2s solar in 2025?I like the battery life of it and the price but i feel like it would get outdateed fast. What should i do? (also i have a bit smaller wrists)

[@n_envinyatar2236]

I think to include maps they have to put a higher resolution display in the solar versions… I hope this will be the case for future instinct versions because i like the design of the watch but the price is tuff atm

[@mwboost]

Great vid 👍🏼. I've been stuck between the 3 solar 45mm and 50mm for the last week. I prefer the black look of the 45,but the extra battery of the 50 could be handy 😅🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@fitbody360]

I’m still in paralysis by analysis mode. I just sold my Fenix 6X Pro and can’t decide on whether I should go Tactix, Fenix or just roll with an Instinct

[@Dcrainmaker]

I would basically only go Tactix if there's a specific feature you want on it (e.g. balistics, or NVG mode). Else, I'd narrow down to size/weight/flashlight/maps as the main drivers between Instinct & Fenix (assuming you don't care as much about music).

[@fitbody360]

@ totally don’t care about music. Size and weight on an issue, in fact, the bigger and heavier the better for me. Barometric pressure, heart rate, sleep, sun up/dn, body battery maybe, and those type of features are what I’m looking for. Plus I want something that’s beefy looking.

[@angelfranciscomarinolmedil7070]

Enduro 3 is your watch.

[@MateHegyhati]

Thanks for the detailed review, I wonder how location specific the accuracy of GPS only mode is. Climbpro (not the automatic, but course based one) would be awesome, even if no maps are available. Also, in a kind of funny way, I think the lack of the new UI is also a plus for many 😀

[@topsycrets6658]

My 45mm Solar shows 9d battery at 74% , I feel like the battery life on mine isnt' great... am I missing something ? got my Pulse Ox meter on only when I sleep.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Fwiw, PulseOx, even just at night, is a literal battery blowtorch. Like, worse than going out for a GPS activity.

[@EoinLees]

I've read some interesting comments about comparing phone models to models two or three years ago as realistically not many people upgrade every year/model. So when compared to instinct 1, do you think it's a worthwhile upgrade?

[@pruteanu6]

My gawwd they would have been perfect with generation 5 HR and a some GB for maps ...

[@jermainesmith1052]

Ray, have you heard why Garmin took away the “after sunset” mode for gesture and buttons on the solar? I sent them an email, and they gave a weak sauce reply that’s it’s not a feature, like every MIP based watch before this doesn’t have it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I asked as well, but didn't receive a reply to that question (in fairness, it was an off the cuff question in an e-mail about a whole pile of crashes they weren't expecting, thus, the minor question was probably the least of their worries at the time). I'll put it on my list for the next volley.

[@zeezermacaroni]

sticking with my instinct 2. that canyon is ready to go.

[@DiesOnAToilet]

Lack of maps is a deal breaker. Removing one of the best reasons to have such a watch on you at all times as a navigation backup to a dead phone battery. I can't help but wonder if the non-AMOLED version's difficulty in displaying maps played into the decision.

[@rabomarc]

My best guess is that the decision was mostly commercial. Instinct 3 having maps would attract too many potential buyers of the Fenix 8.

[@DB-ez9ud]

If I’m somewhere that genuinely needs navigation I take power banks to back up the phone.

[@Anakena3]

How do manage to go and explore so beautiful places !?! I want to join 😂

[@Dcrainmaker]

I moved to them. :)

[@Scratchen2]

Honestly, Garmin has a real problem with buggy software overall. Started about a year ago, and it feels like it is getting worse every time they release a new firmware. I’m definitely considering ditching Garmin.

[@lacu2001]

I add a new bug in instinct 3 amoled, if I try to change the suspension time on the same day where you are, the watch restart

[@postdorian]

So my takeaway is that i need to wait for another year for a price drop and bug fixes. Or another two for I4

[@frre9302]

I am happy without multiband GPS. That means I am waiting to upgrade from my Instinct 2 Solar at least until the Instinct 4 Solar (or 3 Pro Solar?) will bring the improved optical HR sensor.

[@brett7236]

50mm or45mm ?

[@mvanbommel2285]

Don’t like the Ali Expres look… but Thks for your great reviews!

[@TracyCooperJr]

Have you done Instinct 3 vs Enduro 3? They both have MIPS and long battery life.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I haven't yet, though, my Instinct vs Fenix 8 basically covers that, as the Enduro 3 is pretty darn close to being a Fenix 8 minus the Dive/speaker bits. But I do want to circle back to the Enduro 3 and some long battery life testing, mainly to see how it's improved since August (I saw good, but not amazing Solar performance then). Whereas here, I'm seeing amazing Instinct 3 Solar performance, albeit with the beat firmware.

[@icantravell]

Guys, I just bought forerunner 265 so is this watch better than that? Should I return my 265 ? PLEASE HELP DEAR EXPERTS

[@robhunt8378]

Vastly different watches. Do you fancy the ruggedness or the looks of the instinct? Or need the battery of the solar models? Otherwise sticking with the 265 is probably a good idea.

[@JAH1139]

Wish the solar came in a smaller size

[@TmPGEO923423421]

Return of paper maps?

[@GarminPro]

I've had an interesting experience with Garmin. I've had the fenix 8 since day one. I never had any issues. I do runs and strength workouts along with bike ride connected to power meter. Never had any issues.

[@vthrowaway5776]

seeing pixels in 2025 is wild

[@qwer55555555]

cool canyon 0:15 i don't care about the watch but need to see video anyways

[@mrbjorndekker]

The only reason for me, not to buy it, is no offline music..

[@grllaspeak]

Old HR sensor for 500 bones 🦴 tho.

[@mattdoggggg]

The flashlight is 90 degrees in the wrong spot. Why are you walking around like you have a broken arm just to see what’s in front of you. Or, more importantly, what if you wanted to illuminate what your hand was doing.

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's what people think, but once they start using it, everyone's pretty happy with the current orientation. The other problem with putting it on the side, is that it doesn't work for both left & right handed people.

[@mattdoggggg]

@ I hadn’t thought about the left/right handedness and I’m left handed. I change my complaint to LED’s on 3 sides. :)

[@JB-hq9yj]

Garmin has a software bugginess to price ratio issue and has had it for a good 1-2 years now. Enduro 3 is about the only watch these past years that delivered for the price. Not seeing any attempt to address either issues while their competitors continue to gain ground.

[@tomplay6017]

Not worth 450€. Maximum should be 250€ and even that is to much for this.

[@Stevenwalks]

@19:09 you sound really Spanish already. "On a cooler evening ... " yeah sure everything below 20°C is cold now :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MrMartin246]

what about instinct vs Fenix ?

[@kayy-03]

He already did a video on that

[@Dcrainmaker]

Ask and you shall receive (Instinct 3 vs Fenix 8 Deep-Dive): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpbbc6asZdh4hK8

[@Big_Shonk]

Get some more sleep brotha!

[@NateWesley-z7u]

I have to be honest, I just got the Instinct 2X Solar and besides not having any urge to upgrade, the one thing I find to be horrible is battery! It is so sensible that when is fully charge it says it has 44 days remaining but after 3 days of two gps activities and overall scrolling with it, it's down to 37 days when should be at 41! I am just saying that they sell you this as a long battery device but I founded to be completely false! My brand new instinct 2x Solar only lasts 18 days of regular use! If I activate Pulse OX or use the flash light it's even less! I don't know about the new Instinct 3 but what a nonsense that they sell you this watches by saying things like that when they are not true. Overall is a great watch, really great, it's just didn't hold to my expectations in terms of battery. I don't know about you DC because it looks like you bit the sh!7 out of this watches... does it hold up to what Garmin promises? Maybe mine is faulty...

[@Dcrainmaker]

The 'challenge' with that battery number (e.g. 44 days) is that it's not accounting for GPS time in those calculations. So basically, just smartwatch time. PulseOx is a battery blowtorch, as is the flashlight (though, only if you leave it on). In fact, when I need to drain the batteries, I turn on the flashlight, but even that still takes ~2hrs at full brightness + GPS in multiband turned on, to drain. So the flashlight isn't really gonna hurt things. But GPS of course does. One of the things I dive into in this video is using the 'GPS Only' configuration, which *dramatically* saves battery life, and has a near negligable impact on GPS accuracy in most cases.

[@NateWesley-z7u]

@@DcrainmakerInteresting, now I know my watch is not faulty! Thank you!

[@robhunt8378]

The watch can't look into the future so what you get obviously is an estimation. That said, my Forerunner will give you "dynamic" estimation of battery life during an activity that takes into account GPS and GPS mode.