The Garmin Instinct 3 GPS Smartwatch is designed for those who love the outdoors and need a reliable companion. With its tough build and bright AMOLED screen, this watch is perfect for any adventure.
Packed with features like health monitoring, built-in sports apps, and an LED flashlight, the Garmin Instinct 3 offers everything you need in a smartwatch. Plus, with a battery life of up to 24 days, you can stay on the go without worrying about recharging.
The first thing I noticed about the Garmin Instinct 3 was its excellent build quality. The materials feel durable, and the larger colour screen is easy to read. Despite its rugged look, the watch is surprisingly light on the wrist.
After using it for a while, I found the health monitoring features to be very helpful. The heart rate and sleep tracking gave me a good overview of my fitness. The flashlight also came in handy during my evening runs.
Rugged Design and Build Quality

The Garmin Instinct 3 GPS Smartwatch is built to last with its sturdy 50mm fibre-reinforced polymer case and metal-reinforced bezel. This design ensures that the watch can handle tough conditions, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. The 1.3” AMOLED screen is bright and easy to read, adding to the overall durability and user-friendliness of the watch. Despite its robust build, the watch remains lightweight and comfortable on the wrist, which is a pleasant surprise for many users.
Battery Life and Performance

One of the standout features of the Garmin Instinct 3 is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 24 days on a single charge. This is particularly useful for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and don’t want to worry about recharging frequently. The watch also includes a built-in LED flashlight with different brightness levels and strobe modes, providing extra visibility when needed. Additionally, the watch is water-rated to 10 ATM and designed to withstand thermal and shock resistance, ensuring it performs well in various environments.
Health Monitoring Features

This smartwatch offers a range of health monitoring features to help you stay on top of your well-being. It includes wrist-based heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox (though not available in all countries). While it’s not a medical device, the data it provides gives a close estimation of your health metrics. These features can be very helpful for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep track of their fitness progress.
Navigation and GPS Capabilities

The Garmin Instinct 3 excels in navigation with its 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology. These tools ensure you can navigate confidently, whether you’re hiking in the mountains or exploring new cities. The SatIQ technology optimises battery life while still providing accurate positioning, making it a reliable companion for all your adventures.
Smart Features and Connectivity

Stay connected on the go with the smart features of the Garmin Instinct 3. It supports Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments without needing to carry cash or cards. The watch also receives smart notifications and is compatible with the Connect IQ Store, where you can download new apps and watch faces. These features ensure that you can stay connected and customise your watch to suit your preferences.
Safety and Tracking

Your safety is a priority with the Garmin Instinct 3. It includes incident detection and Assistance features that can call or send a message with your live location to emergency contacts. These features require setup and your smartphone to be in an area with network coverage where data connectivity is available. This added layer of security can be reassuring, especially during outdoor activities.
User Experience and Interface

The user experience with the Garmin Instinct 3 is smooth and intuitive. The navigation through menus is straightforward, and the watch offers a high level of customisation. Though it doesn’t have a touchscreen, the physical buttons are easy to use, especially during activities like running. The AMOLED display is not only bright but also includes a night mode that turns the data red, making it easier on the eyes in dark environments.
Fitness and Sports Apps

The Garmin Instinct 3 comes with built-in sports apps that cater to various activities. Whether you’re into running, swimming, or hiking, these apps help you track your performance and reach your fitness goals. The watch syncs with the Garmin Connect app, providing more details on your health and fitness data along with personalised insights. This makes it easier to keep track of your progress and stay motivated.
Durability and Outdoor Features

Designed for the outdoors, the Garmin Instinct 3 is built to withstand harsh conditions. It meets MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, making it a dependable choice for adventurers. The LED flashlight adds convenience, providing ample light for nighttime activities or emergencies. With these features, you can trust that the watch will perform well no matter where your adventures take you.
Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Garmin Instinct 3 has received positive feedback for its build quality and battery life. Users appreciate the rugged design and the bright AMOLED screen. Some have noted that while it lacks a touchscreen, the physical buttons are more practical during activities. Overall, the watch has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, with users finding it to be a reliable and feature-packed choice for both fitness and outdoor use.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable design with a bright AMOLED display.
- Excellent battery life of up to 24 days.
- Packed with useful features like health monitoring and built-in sports apps.
Cons:
- Lacks touch screen functionality.
- No built-in maps for navigation.
- Music cannot be stored on the watch.
Conclusion
Overall, the Garmin Instinct 3 GPS Smartwatch is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and feature-packed watch for outdoor activities.
Its long battery life, durable design, and useful features make it a solid investment for those who want to stay connected and monitor their health on the go.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Does the Garmin Instinct 3 have a touch screen?
Answer: No, the Garmin Instinct 3 does not have a touch screen. It uses physical buttons for navigation.
Question: Can I store music on the Garmin Instinct 3?
Answer: No, you cannot store music on the Garmin Instinct 3, but you can control music playback from your phone.
Question: How long does the battery last on the Garmin Instinct 3?
Answer: The battery can last up to 24 days on a single charge, depending on usage.