The Garmin Instinct watches have traditionally featured a MIP screen, often paired with a solar charging surface. This year, following the footsteps of the new fēnix 8 series, the Instinct range is now split into two segments: the Instinct 3 Solar with a MIP screen and solar charging, and the Instinct 3 with an Amoled screen.
It is this Amoled version that we are testing today. Besides giving our thoughts on the new features of the Instinct 3 (screen, flashlight, GNSS chip…), this thorough review will also check if the Amoled screen maintains a battery life worthy of a Garmin Instinct.
Garmin Instinct 3 AmoledTechnical Specifications
| Model | Garmin Instinct 3 Amoled |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45 mm x 45 mm x 14.9 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 390 × 390 pixels |
| Panel | AMOLED |
| Internal Memory | 4 GB |
| Weight | 53 g |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Yes |
| Sleep Analysis | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Yes |
| Protection Rating | 10 ATM |
| Product Sheet |
This watch was loaned to us by Garmin for testing.
Garmin Instinct 3 AmoledA Familiar Instinct Design
The Instinct 3 Amoled unsurprisingly maintains the rugged, military look typical of Garmin’s durable watches, especially within the Instinct series. The watch retains its rustic and military feel, even more pronounced than those of the Garmin fēnix and Enduro, which are also designed for nature sports enthusiasts.
It’s worth noting that the Instinct models have always had a unique position among Garmin watches. Positioned between the Forerunner series “for all running enthusiasts” and the fēnix series “push your limits, no matter your sport,” the Instinct series is meant to be “bold, tough, and ready for adventure.”
This explains the rugged appearance, especially noticeable with the large bezel, its uppercase lettering (GPS, MENU…) and with the four prominently visible screws. While you’ll find the usual five physical buttons on Garmin watches, those on the Instinct 3 are less protrusive. They are thus nothing like the unfortunate new buttons on the fēnix 8 Solar and fēnix 8 Amoled, but are still more complex to press. At least, there’s no risk of accidental presses.
Another notable difference from the Forerunner and fēnix models: the strap of the Instinct 3 is truly integrated into the continuation of its casing. In other words, the strap cannot be detached without the use of tools… and does not allow the watch to lay flat on a table. You should know this. The watch remains technically compatible with QuickFit type straps.
In terms of size, the Instinct 3 is offered in two large sizes of 45 mm and 50 mm, whereas the Garmin fēnix series is most often available in 3 sizes of 43 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm.
Good to know: we are testing here the large 50 mm version of the Garmin Instinct 3 Amoled. So don’t panic at the imposing size of the watch in relation to my wrist in the photos included in this article.
Our model weighs 59 grams and has a thickness of 14.4 mm. In terms of resistance, the Instinct 3 can technically withstand pressure equivalent to a depth of 100 meters. The bezel and the case of the watch are made of fiber-reinforced polymer/aluminum (plastic, essentially), while some fēnix models enjoy a titanium bezel. The same story goes for the screen, protected by “chemically strengthened” glass and not by sapphire crystal.
A welcome new feature: the Instinct 3 now includes, for all its sizes and variants, the famous flashlight featured on high-end Garmin models for a few years — only the Instinct 2X had it previously. Activated with a double press of the upper left button, this LED light has proven as useful to us as our phone’s flash when searching for something in the dark.
Garmin Instinct 3 AmoledAn Amoled Screen, But Not Touch-Sensitive: Is That a Problem?
As mentioned earlier, the Instinct 3 is the first in the series to be offered in an Amoled version. Let’s skip the eternal debate on the respective advantages and disadvantages of Amoled and MIP transreflective screens and read this dedicated article on the topic if you like.
For everyone else, remember that the screen of our Instinct 3 Amoled has unsurprisingly won us over with its vibrant colors and superb contrasts. Importantly, it remained perfectly readable, even under the Western Sahara sun at the start of the season — there, that’s mentioned.
The introduction of this new screen technology on an Instinct model also means the disappearance of its famous dual-window display. This small second round screen, integrated at the top right of the main screen, was one of the distinctive features of the Instinct watches — the MIP Solar versions of the Instinct 3 have retained it. Garmin was clever and simulated its presence on some menus here and there on the Amoled version.
Note that the imposing size of the watch does not translate to the screen size. Expect a 33 mm diameter for the Instinct 3 (Amoled) of 50 mm, against 35.56 mm for that of the fēnix 8 (Amoled) of 47 mm. This difference is also found in the definition of the screens: 416 × 416 pixels versus 454 × 454 pixels.
The most surprising thing about the Amoled screen of this Instinct 3? It’s not touch-sensitive. Remember that other, less expensive Amoled models do feature a touch screen from Garmin. And let’s not even talk about the competition.
While I very rarely use the touchscreen on my sports watches (I prefer to use the physical buttons, which are more reliable), it’s hard to defend this choice by Garmin. Surely it’s a matter of product segmentation and differentiation.
Garmin Instinct 3 AmoledSome Slowness and Missing Options
After having tested and used Garmin Forerunner, fēnix, epix, or Enduro extensively, I note three notable differences in use:
- the screen is not touch-sensitive;
- scrolling through menus seems a tad slower, especially when triggering an action;
- the physical buttons are harder to find as they do not protrude from the body of the case.
I admit we sometimes slid our finger across the watch screen out of habit to scroll through menus, before realizing that the screen was not touch-sensitive. Otherwise, as explained in the previous paragraph, navigation with the usual five buttons suits us perfectly. The menus and interface remain customizable and will always require some adaptation time for Garmin newcomers.
While Garmin Pay is indeed supported by the Instinct 3, its modest 4 GB of internal storage hides two big disappointments: the absence of mapping (we’ll return to this) and internal music. You can still control music played on your phone, as long as the watch is connected via Bluetooth.
The watch also lacks a speaker and a microphone. Thus, it won’t be possible to take calls on your wrist. Once again, we see where Garmin has decided to separate its Instinct watches from its more premium models.
Let’s emphasize the inclusion of the flashlight on the Instinct 3, which is logical on watches meant for adventure.
Garmin Connect, on the other hand, remains unchanged since its redesign in 2024. It contains all the sports data, health tracking, data field configuration, and other training plans. Garmin stands out for the abundance of data and customization options, but this richness can sometimes slow down the user experience.
This complexity becomes particularly evident when we discover the more streamlined and intuitive interfaces offered by competitors such as Suunto and Coros.
The interface could still benefit from being simplified. Let’s remember that Garmin has just recently announced the launch of the paid subscription: Garmin Connect+. Case to follow.
Garmin Instinct 3 AmoledSport and Health: Everything is There Except for the Main Thing
As expected in the Instinct range, the Instinct 3 can be used for a multitude of sports. The watch is logically made for outdoor activities and primarily differs from the fēnix by the absence of diving profiles. Thus, you will benefit from a wide range of sports modes, from wakesurfing to cricket, including snowmobiling and bouldering.
In terms of features, the Instinct 3 includes the usual generous Garmin set: training load, sleep tracking, recovery monitoring with HRV, various scores, training programs… New features compared to the Instinct 2 concern endurance sports (Training Load Focus and Training Load Ratio), in addition to nap detection and a sleep coach. In short, a complete experience… from which, however, the main thing has been removed.
Yes, who would have thought that a sports watch offered from 450 euros in 2025, designed for outdoor adventure, would lack mapping.
We must settle for “breadcrumb” navigation, that is, a simple trail to follow without a detailed map background. This black background with a white line as a trail can be useful in a last resort (if you want to retrace your steps, for example) but is by no means a true mapping experience.
This is all the more regrettable because the Amoled screen would be perfectly suited to displaying detailed maps, and the competition (Coros, Suunto, Polar) now offers this feature on watches at equivalent or lower prices.
Here, Garmin is sticking, keeping mapping for its high-end models. And don’t talk to me about alternative options that exist for downloading maps on the Instinct 3. They are paid and especially limited: no zoom, constant connection needed with the phone…
The GPS Accuracy of the Garmin Instinct 3
Good news, all Instinct 3 models now feature a multiband GNSS chip, as well as SatIQ mode. Don’t understand? Just remember that you will benefit from the most accurate GPS technology and an intelligent mode unique to Garmin, which allows a balance between accuracy and battery life.
Note, however, the lack of compatibility with the Japanese QZSS and Chinese BEIDOU constellations, according to the Garmin specifications sheet.
No track comparison this time, since my Instinct 3 has proven to be just as accurate as all the other Garmin watches I have tested — and frankly, I was too lazy to make comparisons for the sake of making comparisons.
The Heart Rate Accuracy of the Garmin Instinct 3
The Instinct 3 AMOLED features the Elevate V4 version of its optical heart rate sensor, not the V5 introduced in 2023. Yet another disappointing choice by Garmin.
Although the Elevate Gen 4 sensor is not completely outdated, it remains much more limited against the many factors that can alter the accurate measurement of heart rate. It’s hard to say if it’s solely responsible or if the size of my 50 mm test model also played a role (against my small wrist), but our tests are frankly not conclusive.
Take a look at these two hill session workouts: one block out of two is really poorly captured by the Instinct 3. Yes, other more traditional outings, jogs to name them, posed no problem for the watch. Yes, we expected a better sensor from a watch sold for over 400 euros.
One last example for the road, with less significant variations. Here again, the Instinct 3 sometimes significantly misses the measurements.
Here are the average and maximum heart rates recorded by our Instinct 3 and our heart rate monitor belt, on the three outings displayed above.
Comparison of average heart rates:
| Average Heart Rate | Garmin Instinct 3 Amoled | Belt Polar H10 (reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Running | 149 |
 Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.
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