Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm specifications and in-depth review

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm

Manufacturer: Garmin

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm is a rugged sports watch designed for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts. It features a solar-powered battery for extended use, a durable 1.1″ OLED display, and is rated for 10 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for various activities. With a weight of 58g and a replaceable band, it combines functionality with comfort.

This model comes equipped with a wide range of sensors, including a GPS, heart rate monitor, barometer, accelerometer, and compass. It also tracks multiple activities such as distance, pace, sleep, and steps. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 260 hours with GPS on. Additionally, it supports ANT+, NFC, and has features like HRV tracking and fall detection for enhanced monitoring of your health and safety.

Pros
  • Compatible with both iOS and Android, offering flexibility for different users.
  • Supports external heart rate monitors, providing more accurate fitness data for serious athletes.
  • Offers auto pause functionality, making it ideal for tracking workouts with breaks or interruptions.
  • Compatible with smart scales, enabling users to track their weight alongside fitness metrics.
  • Works across Windows, Mac OS X, and is available on PC, ensuring broad device compatibility.
Cons
  • Does not have wireless charging, requiring users to rely on traditional charging methods.
  • Lacks an external memory slot, limiting storage options for additional data or apps.
  • Does not support 3.5mm audio jack, preventing use with standard wired headphones or audio devices.
Who is this for?

This product is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and athletes who need a reliable device to track a variety of metrics. With features like heart rate variability tracking, VO2 max measurement, and activity detection, it's perfect for those looking to monitor their performance and progress across multiple sports. Additionally, its compatibility with external heart rate monitors and smart scales makes it a solid choice for users seeking detailed health data and accurate performance tracking.

Who is this NOT for?

This product may not be suitable for users who rely on extensive multimedia capabilities or need advanced connectivity options. It lacks features like wireless charging, 3.5mm audio jack support, and a memory slot for additional storage, which could limit its appeal for users who want a more versatile device for media or additional file storage. Additionally, those who require an integrated GPS map upload feature may find the lack of map upload support a drawback.

Design:

screen size 1.1"
Display type OLED/AMOLED
water resistance Waterproof
has branded damage-resistant glass
ATM rating 10 ATM
resolution 176 x 176 px
Watch band is replaceable
has a touch screen
weight 58 g
Has sapphire glass display
thickness 14.4 mm
Always-On Display
height 50 mm
pixel density 226 ppi
Has a display
width 50 mm
width of band 26 mm
volume 36 cm³

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm features a 1.1″ OLED display with a resolution of 176 x 176 px, providing clear visuals with a pixel density of 226 ppi. It is equipped with an always-on display, ensuring you can check the time and other stats without needing to wake the screen. The watch is waterproof with a 10 ATM rating, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities. The 58g weight and replaceable band add to the overall comfort and versatility of the design, while the thickness is 14.4 mm and the width is 50 mm. Notably, this model does not have a touch screen, Gorilla Glass, or sapphire glass, which might be important for users looking for those specific features.

Sensors:

has GPS
Has a heart rate monitor
Monitors blood oxygenation levels
Has a barometer
has an accelerometer
has a compass
Has a temperature sensor
Has a cadence sensor
has a gyroscope
Has a wind speed sensor
Monitors perspiration

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm is equipped with a comprehensive set of sensors designed for fitness and outdoor activities. It includes a GPS for precise location tracking, a heart rate monitor, and a pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels. Additionally, the watch features a barometer, accelerometer, compass, body temperature sensor, cadence sensor, and gyroscope, providing detailed data for various sports and conditions. However, it does not include a wind speed sensor or perspiration monitor.

Activity tracking:

Has a route tracker
Tracks distance
Measures pace
Has trackback mode
Tracks your sleep
Has multi-sport mode
Detects activities automatically
Tracks elevation
Tracks steps taken
Provides sleep reports
Has exercise tagging
Has a stroke counter for swimming
Tracks calorie intake
Designed for diving
Designed for golf

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm offers robust activity tracking features for a variety of sports and fitness goals. It includes a route tracker, distance tracking, and pace measurement, allowing for precise tracking during workouts. The watch also features multi-sport mode, sleep tracking, and automatic activity detection. Additional functionalities include tracking elevation, steps, and swim stroke count, as well as providing sleep reports and exercise tagging. It also supports food tracking and golf-specific features but is not designed for diving.

Connectivity:

Is compatible with iOS
Is compatible with Android
supports Wi-Fi
has a cellular module
supports ANT+
has NFC

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm offers solid connectivity options, supporting both iOS and Android devices. It also includes ANT+ and NFC support for seamless integration with compatible accessories and systems. However, it does not have Wi-Fi support or a cellular module, limiting its connectivity to Bluetooth and the aforementioned technologies.

Battery:

battery life Infinity days
battery life with GPS on 260 hours
battery life in training mode 60 hours
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm features an impressive solar power battery, providing infinite battery life under optimal conditions. When using GPS, the watch can last up to 260 hours, and in training mode, it offers 60 hours of continuous use. The rechargeable battery does not support wireless charging, and it is non-removable, ensuring durability and convenience for long-term use.

Features:

release date January 2025
has HRV tracking
measures VO2 max
measures resting heart rate
has fast/slow heart rate notifications
shows readiness level
Can upload maps
Has vibrating alerts
Has a stopwatch
Locates your phone
Has silent alarm
has irregular heart rate warnings
has fall detection
Has notifications
Acquires GPS faster
Has call control
Provides the sunrise/sunset time
internal storage 0.128GB
Can be used to answer calls
supports Galileo
Has smart alarm
Informs about the risk of thunderstorms
warranty period 1 years
has voice commands
Has a built-in camera remote control function

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm is packed with useful features designed to support both fitness and daily life. It includes HRV tracking, VO2 max measurement, and the ability to monitor your resting heart rate. The watch also provides fast/slow heart rate notifications, fall detection, and a readiness recovery indicator. Additional features include a stopwatch, silent alarm, and the ability to locate your phone. It supports Galileo for enhanced GPS accuracy, provides sunrise/sunset times, and alerts you about the risk of thunderstorms. However, it does not have vibrating alerts, smart alarm, or voice command functionality.

App & Software:

Provides activity reports
Has inactivity alerts
Counts how many calories you've burned
Has goal setting
Has achievements
Free app
Has exercise diary
Ad-free
Has weight tracking
Tracks BMI
Tracks water intake
Has live tracking
Has coaching
Has temperature tracking
Has period notifications
Supports routes
Syncs with existing calendars
Has voice feedback
Has music playback
Displays fertile window notifications
Includes maps
Doesn’t require account
Predicts start date
Predicts ovulation
Has video tutorials
Supports widgets
Can be personalised
Has barcode scanner on app

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm offers an array of features for fitness tracking and lifestyle management through its companion app. It provides detailed activity reports, goal setting, and exercise diary functionalities. The app tracks key health metrics like weight, BMI, calories burned, water intake, and temperature, while also offering live tracking, coaching, and period notifications. Additional features include music playback, fertility predictions, video tutorials, and the ability to personalize the app. The app is ad-free, does not require an account, and syncs with your calendar for better planning.

Miscellaneous:

has a battery level indicator
Is compatible with Windows
Has auto pause
Compatible with external heart rate monitors
Available on PC
Compatible with smart scales
Is compatible with Mac OS X
has an external memory slot
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm offers a variety of useful features to enhance its usability. It includes a battery level indicator to keep track of power, supports auto pause during activities, and is compatible with both external heart rate monitors and smart scales. The watch works seamlessly with Windows and Mac OS X, and is available on PC for better compatibility. However, it does not have an external memory slot or a 3.5mm audio jack.

Final Verdict

The product stands out as a strong choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking comprehensive health and activity tracking. With features like heart rate variability tracking, VO2 max measurement, and support for a variety of sports modes, it excels in delivering detailed performance insights. While it lacks some advanced multimedia and connectivity options, such as wireless charging and map uploads, it remains a solid option for users focused on health monitoring and exercise tracking. Overall, it's a reliable and feature-rich companion for fitness-focused users.

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