What I Really Think: Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED. Bad Departure or Ideal Fit? Comprehensive Review

[@chriscarpunky]

I’ve had this for 2 weeks now. No bugs. Rare for a new Garmin. I can’t even feel the 45 mm amoled on my wrist. This is my favorite Garmin and I have lots of Garmin watches and returned the Fenix 8 as it didn’t feel good on my wrist and that was the 47mm. Seriously considering getting the I3 solar and wear it during the day and using the amoled for workouts. It would be expensive but $450 and $400 it’s still $300 cheaper than a Fenix 8 and you always have a back up watch and will never run out of battery. Plus, if something goes wrong with one of them you have a back up.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@chriscarpunky love this comment! Totally agree. It is super light, and if you do happen to get the MIP you'll be blown away at how brilliant it is, at least for a monochromatic more pixelated screen.

[@b.rocket]

Hey man you do such a great job giving information that matters about these watch’s. Cheers from S.C.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@b.rocket hey thank you so much for saying! I really appreciate it, that's totally my goal

[@matrhein]

On point hunter. Exactly my feelings - got the Epix pro and will sit on my hands concerning the instinct. Loved the tidbit today as well. I remember training with others and being way more consistent. Will think of ways getting that back into my life somehow. Cheers!

[@fitgearhunter]

@@matrhein appreciate hearing this so much! So so helpful. And yes it doesn't compete with the Epix pro, but it is an awesome little lightweight watch!

[@MavicAir2TW]

I prefer Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, mainly because of its longer battery life. The solar charging feature definitely helps extend usage time, making it great for outdoor activities or those who don’t want to charge frequently.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@MavicAir2TW yes completely. And the solar has the best MIP display I've ever seen

[@FiremanFrach]

I don't know, call me a purist, but I think the Instinct series has its own identity and Garmin is deviating away from it with an AMOLED screen. The same goes for the maps. Instinct=breadcrumb maps. I think all the other improvements are great because they need to improve with the next generation of watches, but the look should cling to its original roots. Don't alter the DNA, Garmin. Great review.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@FiremanFrach thanks so much for words and yes I feel slightly that way too - especially w the enhanced MIP, but for me if I had to only choose one I definitely would choose the AMOLED because it's just so much better for my day-to-day use! I really wish they would make a monochromatic theme for the AMOLED version that was like a replica but just brighter and higher pixel density

[@webncyber]

@@fitgearhunterprobably that is something can come in future watch faces but still it will probably not be same experience as MIP because in amoled you will need to have the always on for it to mimic mip

[@FiremanFrach]

@@fitgearhunter Just my opinion. You get what works for you and what you like. 👍🏻

[@ronin550]

​@@FiremanFrach this💯.

[@carlosmobellan9443]

Thanks, great video. I'm particularly glad you mentioned 'used' options on ebay etc, better for the environment and your pocket. Cheers from Down Under.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@carlosmobellan9443 cheers to you! And thank you for acknowledging. There are a lot of great used options on the market that create a great option versus a brand new listing

[@constantinvijoli]

I’ve been waiting for your opinion on the Instinct 3 AMOLED version for a while. I really like and appreciate the approach. However, from what I see, the 50mm version has a 1.3" screen, not 1.2". In Europe, it still costs 499 euros, and the price hasn’t dropped, which is a dealbreaker.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@constantinvijoli dear Lord I must've clicked the wrong watch when taking notes on all the stats, I swear it was 1.2 inches! And that stinks I know I triple checked on the Garmin website the 449 but now doubting myself in every area!

[@constantinvijoli]

@@fitgearhunter It's all good, we're human, we all make mistakes. I like and appreciate the content and discussions in your posts. I really do. Anyway, I'll keep following you.

[@Knenemeka]

Another great video ❤

[@fitgearhunter]

@@Knenemeka thank you so much!

[@bhargavramoliya]

Garmin instinct 3 My Dream Watch Gift 🎁 Please, God Will Bless You 🙏🙏🙏

[@fitgearhunter]

@@bhargavramoliya it is a great watch!

[@bhargavramoliya]

​@@fitgearhuntersir please gift 🎁 Garmin instinct 3 Watch for running, God Will Bless You 🙏🙏🙏

[@bootcastpod]

If the Garmin Forerunner 955 is below this price point right now with the same sensor, is it the superior watch for weightlifting, running, and soccer?

[@fitgearhunter]

@@bootcastpod great question! I think no. For me the screen resolution of either the solar or the AMOLED variants are preferred over the 955. I personally kind of don't think the mapping looks good on the MMIP screen of the 955, so I don't find it as useful, and I don't use Music storage. I really really really like the design of the instinct series and the features that come with it over the 955

[@bootcastpod]

@ Thanks this really helps me out!

[@ZeRo-22-]

Maybe I missed it, but is this a 45mm or a 50mm model?

[@fitgearhunter]

@@ZeRo-22- no I should've been more explicit in the video and actually incorrectly listed specs at times for the 45 mm, but this is definitely the 50 mm and unfortunately is $499 but does have a 1.3 inch display

[@fitbody360]

@@fitgearhunter how come mine doesn’t have the quick fit bands…?

[@dannydinthemountains]

It would be garmins best seller if it had maps in my opinion. They know that so they want you force you to the fenix 8. Get a fenix 7 while they’re on sale. I have a standard so sadly no flashlight or multi band but it works perfectly for me on tough summits and training perfectly. I paid the same as this watch for it on sale.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@dannydinthemountains yes completely can see that! Great points all around. It would definitely be a high seller if it had Maps! But I honestly also think it would have to be $600 like the 965, and on the flipside I think people would complain about that.Great points and thanks for sharing!

[@webncyber]

Thank you for the video. Any idea if this instinct has swimming pace alert? I did not see that in the spec

[@fitgearhunter]

@@webncyber gosh that's a great question. I did not see that in the specs as well

[@webncyber]

@ ya I was very close to returning my FR255 to get this but that was a show stopper for me

[@fitgearhunter]

@ still worth the trade, in my opinion, because if I remember correctly the 255 lacks some of the training features, and also is a very different screen experience, not counting the included flashlight

[@webncyber]

@@fitgearhunter correct 255 is MIP but the only thing is I got it almost half the prices few months ago. I was also lost between MIP and amoled on instinct. I don’t know but feels like sometime amoled is a bit too much brightness on the wrist

[@webncyber]

@@fitgearhunter also just FYI I do use the pace alert a lot

[@michaellanger5671]

Great video. I was hoping for an Instinct with AMOLED but the I3 is kinda disappointing. Maybe the Tactical version will convince me but at this point, I need a 30-40% price drop to make me buy one. The only disadvantage is see with no touchscreen is the fact that you can’t really use Komoot because you can’t move the map. Otherwise you would at least in the Venu 3 arena. So, I will keep my Epix Pro and won’t get an I3 as a second watch

[@JasonRaneses]

I’m in the same boat. The tactical doesn’t often go on sale - coupons will work though a few months after it drops.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@michaellanger5671 great points all around! Really helpful information you posted about commute, that doesn't affect my training but is a legit factor! If you have the Epix pro then yes no real need unless you picked it up for cheaper. And good point I don't know any updates on the tactical versions but I am curious about it!

[@exit3073]

Getting mine tomorrow. I personally prefer the AMOLED, I've been dealing with the old school face since the days of my Timex Ironman of the 90s. You can get a used EPIX PRO, but I don't want a USED watch of any type.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@exit3073 yes I think that is a totally valid point! Buying a used watch is a little bit uncertain, especially when you can have a version that feels really similar in the overall experience but just cost a lot less and is brand new

[@elflakeador09]

Looks much better too when you can get rid of that submarine window on the screen

[@fitbody360]

My 50 mm version does not have the quick fit bands. What the heck?

[@fitgearhunter]

@@fitbody360 no you just have to remove the pin and take band off and put pin back in - it doesn't have it automatically built in. It's got the oversized pins that make it possible. Sorry I did a previous video on the 2X about how you convert it to quick fit

[@fitbody360]

@@fitgearhunter All good. Got it. So I shouldn't have expected it as an out of the box thing. I do like the quick fits though and have several before downgrading? upgrading? from my Fenix 6x. So I'll likely change the original out. Thanks for the clarification.

[@fitgearhunter]

@ yes totally and should have mentioned in the video! I just use a paper clip and there's literally a hole where you can see the pin and you insert a paper clip end and it comes right out. It's actually easier than the old school watch pins. Then just put the pin by itself back in and you can snap on any of your 6X bands

[@janvlacil963]

I have 45 mm Amoled version for a week and I love them.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@janvlacil963 yes, to me, it really feels a great gap I feel like the 265 and 965 left open as far as rugged durability and neat features like flashlight

[@janvlacil963]

@ it's light, seems durable, non touch displej is great for winter sports, battery still shows me 7d after week of use with short workout everyday and flashlight is usefull thing for xc skies and bike in my case. The only problem I have - my wahoo won't receive broadcasted heartrate for some reason..

[@fitgearhunter]

@ totally agree on the positive points! And that is bizarre it won't connect because I would think it would. Unfortunately not expert on cycling sensors

[@brett7236]

50mm or 45mm ? Is 50 to big ?

[@fitgearhunter]

@@brett7236 I personally think 50 mm is just perfect, myself

[@moto-rambler]

Find me another amoled smart watch without mapping & no touch screen that costs $500. Garmin has lost its mind.

[@thunpin]

Hey, how does instinct 3 compare with Suunto Race S?

[@fitgearhunter]

@@thunpin great question! I wish I had done a small snippet in the review about this. I think the I3 beats it on mostly all levels except for Price. For me I really do prefer the more extensive breath of training and wellness aspects that Garmin offers, coupled with the flashlight and longer battery life I think makes the I3 fully worth the extra hundred dollars over the race S

[@thunpin]

Tks!!! I3 let's go

[@dragomaster9238]

The garmin epix Gen 2 is on sale on Amazon 409 rn brand new so that another opinion but I really want a flash light but I’m torn between the epix 2 instinct 3 oled and fénix 7 pro

[@BobMarnySK]

It's 1,3" screen on 50mm..

[@fitgearhunter]

@@BobMarnySK you're completely right. I put a pinned comment up but I completely failed on that and realized after finishing everything that I had pulled a couple specs from the 45 mm. The 50 mm is definitely 1.3 inches! And the 50 mm is what is on display here

[@dragomaster9238]

The garmin epix Gen 2 is on sale on Amazon 409 rn brand new so that another opinion but I really want a flash light

[@fitgearhunter]

@@dragomaster9238 yes that is highlighted in the second half of the video exactly! I literally talk about that Watch specifically in comparison. It's a great deal for the Epix original, but I would still choose the I three because I want the flashlight as well!

[@ToddChapman-m8t]

👍👍

[@georgevadnais3516]

I hade the 965 and now the instinct 3 50mm amoled and i won’t go back.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@georgevadnais3516 exactly! Totally feel the same

[@elflakeador09]

How is the battery life on the instinct?

[@georgevadnais3516]

@elflakeador09 2 week-end easy with 45 min GPS every days

[@fitgearhunter]

@ it's great! As I shared in the video I got 9.5 days with always on display

[@pruteanu6]

at this price definitely they should have put the fifth hr sensor … no point of upgrading from instinct 2

[@fitgearhunter]

Yes not sure why they haven't come out w an elevate 5.0-B and just left out ECG - but I do think there are a nummmmmber of additional benefits/features going from I2 to I3

[@exposureseries3747]

No maps is a big deal, I know instincts hasn't had them but for a rugged outdoors orientated watch it seem absurd not to have maps. There are plenty of competitors that have maps on watches for way less than $450. Its an outdoors watch without maps, come on its 2025, it should have real maps.

[@fitgearhunter]

Yes completely see that. I still think about the 265 - mainly bc it didn't include maps and nobody said/felt anything - I feel the I3 is just the rugged alternative to the 265, so it didn't 'feel' missing to me - but I do think the I3 amoled should be $450 too - then it would make more sense. I do think Garmin's maps add a significant amount of storage size required, so just didn't feel I would see it on the I3 for that reason as well.

[@exposureseries3747]

@ looking at the stats the I3 doesn’t have the storage for maps. It’d require a revamp. So it puts Garmin in a tough spot. I think Garmin will have to add maps sooner than later in the instinct line up if they want to stay competitive at this price point.

[@patrolman602]

You need a better microphone. Sounds like you're in a metal box. Echo.

[@fitgearhunter]

@@patrolman602 yep! Working on that