Our Take
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a rugged GPS smartwatch built for outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes who need reliable navigation and health tracking without babying their kit. The 45mm solar-charging variant sits in Garmin's mid-to-upper range, sitting below the Fenix line but offering serious functionality at a more accessible price point.
Key Features
Solar charging lens can extend battery life indefinitely in sufficient sunlight (GPS mode alone requires around 3 hours of direct sun per day to maintain charge)
Built-in multi-band GPS with support for multiple satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo
10ATM water resistance, rated to 100 metres, suitable for swimming and diving
Shock-resistant construction meets US MIL-STD-810 military durability standards
Integrated LED flashlight with white and red modes, useful in low-light conditions
Comprehensive health suite including heart rate monitoring, pulse oximetry, sleep tracking, and stress scoring
Our Verdict
Ideal for hikers, trail runners, and outdoor adventurers who prioritise durability, battery life, and GPS accuracy over a slick touchscreen experience. If you spend meaningful time outdoors in daylight, the solar charging is a genuine advantage. Casual smartwatch users or those wanting a refined daily wearable should look at alternatives.